I had intended to blog daily along our fabulous adventure in Las Vegas; our first time there. I found, however, that I was overwhelmed with emotion and conflicting feelings and knew I would need to be home for a few days before I could share in this forum.

We had great flights through Seattle. We were lucky to have our friends from Colorado visiting Victoria first before we all flew together on GJ’s 50th birthday, November 3. It was still daylight as we flew over Las Vegas. It looked so small and unassuming from above. The sun was just setting as we entered the Strip and we could see “unassuming” was not a word that could be used as a descriptor; fantastical, colourful, bright and shiny. Immediately it all appealed to my love of the outrageous. We drove down and back and then settled into our hotel: The Signature at MGM Grand. We were super pleased to have chosen this hotel. It is situated behind the MGM Grand with an indoor walkway connecting to the larger complex. It’s a non-smoking property with no casino, which at the end of the day was very welcomed. The MGM had some good amenities as well as easy access to the rest of the strip. It wasn’t as busy as some of the other hotels we visited.

The first night we united with my sister and her partner and the six of us found a Japanese place for a delicious dinner. Here are some of my “out the window” shots from Sunday and Monday.

GJ nudged me to look out at this magnificence. Not sure where we were at this point.

GJ nudged me to look out at this magnificence. Not sure where we were at this point.

Desert, beautiful beautiful desert.

Desert, beautiful beautiful desert.

The Venetian was one of my favourite hotels to explore.

The Venetian was one of my favourite hotels to explore.

Show girls. These were so colourful.

Show girls. These were so colourful.

The iconic Caesar's Palace. And palm trees, so many palm trees.

The iconic Caesar’s Palace. And palm trees, so many palm trees.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a big shopping mall, but very pretty as far as malls go.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a big shopping mall, but very pretty as far as malls go.

This place was super weird. We watched an awesome clown show on our last day. There is a large arcade above the casino with family entertainment and games.

This place was super weird. We watched an awesome clown show on our last day. There is a large arcade above the casino with family entertainment and games.

Stratosphere was at the opposite end of the Strip. There is a roller coaster along the top edge that circles the building.

Stratosphere was at the opposite end of the Strip. There is a roller coaster along the top edge that circles the building.