Viva, Las Vegas!

A few weeks ago, I had to take a quick, two night trip to Las Vegas. It was mostly work all day but I did get a couple of hours of personal time. The last time I was in Vegas was probably 4 or 5 years ago and there were a few new things to see.

On approach to McCarren International Airport, I could see storms out in the desert area. As the plane banked again, there were more thunderheads out towards Lake Mead. Lightning was snaking through the dark clouds as the storm dumped buckets of rain below. Once we got on the ground, I could turn my cellphone on to try and capture the storm. Luckily, it was dry at the airport.

Taxiing to the Gate

Our conference was held at Bally's towards the south end of the Strip. This was the view from my room. Considering I wasn't paying for the room, no real complaints from me. It was a large and clean room compared to some I've stayed in.

Room with a View?

I had a short opportunity to "walk" out to the Strip in front of the hotel before meeting some of the others for dinner. It was a series of moving sidewalks and escalators to go from the hotel lobby to the action out front.

Walkway to the Strip

In Front of Bally's with Paris Next Door

After dinner and a quick meeting, I got to look out from the 26th floor meeting room of Bally's over the Las Vegas skyline. Nice view from up there!

Looking North on the Strip

Before I knew it, it was time to go to bed. No late nights for me!

Las Vegas Sunrise

The next day was spent in our meeting and then dinner with our group. Our group got to go to Spago's at Caeser's Palace. OMG! It was delicious. I had the most wonderful crab and avocado salad, mushroom soup, and halibut entree. Dessert was...meh. It was a chocolate donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream concoction. At least the dinner itself was superb.

Nighttime on the Las Vegas Strip provides plenty of entertainment without going into one of the many casinos and clubs. This guy had transformed himself and was posing for photos right in front of Bally's.

Transformer Performer

One more morning meeting the next day and then it was time to head to the airport and back home. As we got closer to Seattle, I was able to see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier from my window seat. Cool! This is why I like window seats rather than aisle ones.

Three Mountains - St. Helens (center), Rainier (left) & Adams (right)

It felt good to get home however and sleep in my own bed.