I came home a changed woman!

Vegas trip 10/26-10/29
I never shop in Vegas except for souvenirs for the kiddos. One souvenir led to a change, albeit a tad small, in my apperance. More on that in a bit.

This trip was planned about a month out. I have to spring it on my husband (BD) as he isn't as enthralled with Vegas as most of us seem to be. We usually visit 2 times a year with our last trip in Jan. This time I used my birthday as an excuse and the mulitple free room offers. My reasoning with BD was that it would be a cheap gift that he could also enjoy and the ever present hope that he may win big to make it a profitable trip.

Got to Vegas around 8:30a and picked up the rental car. It was to cost approx. $48 in total but we didn't want a PT Cruiser so we paid for an upgrade (?) to a Toyota of some sort.

Since we were on the road so early, we decided to play some slots off strip for a bit. We went to Silverton for about 2 hours and both lost much more than we intended, though I did win on the amount of Bloody Mary's that I consumed. From there we went to have our traditional pan roast at Palace Station. This dish is awesome, it is a mix of seafood served over rice. We shared an order and couldn't finish it as it was so huge. After lunch and a few hours of gambling we headed to Red Rock for 1 comped night.

I loved our room! It wasn't large but the color scheme and modern furnishings were beautiful. My favorite touch was the large marble soaking tub with flat panel tv in front of it. I soaked while BD watched a little football in the room.

After relaxing we hit the casino and played any and every new slot game we set our eyes on. A favorite throughout the trip was the Survivor game. Still pretty full from lunch, we just had Fatburger for dinner. We played for several hours and I guess age is catching up with us as we were in the room and exhausted by midnight (2am TX time). Our excuse was we had been up since 4:30am. Never used to matter.

Got a late checkout next am and headed over to check out the new Eastside Cannery. I loved the slot game selection. BD thought the crowd was depressing. I won $ so my take on the place was --who cares about the crowd. From there we had the buffet lunch at Plant Hollywood which we always enjoy. Drove over to check into the Monte Carlo for 2 comped nights and upgrded for $60/night to a Spa Suite. Awesome room right next to elevators, worth every penny. It made coming from the beautiful room at Red Rock a much easier transition. Room looked out over pool and City Center. Construction noise was not an issue because A)we're not picky bout that B) didn't hear any.

Played slots for a bit. BD did well, I lost everything I put in and I couldn't let it go, just kept feeding $ and getting zilch. Left there irritated and walked to NYNY.

Now we have stayed at NYNY probably 8 times, even walking in we were laughing that it felt like we were coming home. Yeah, well, I don't ever need to stay there again. Lost alot of $ very quickly and I hate the changes. Whatup with the big wall in the middle, I agree with a previous poster, it feels claustraphobic. Disappointed.

Decided to pick car up from Monte Carlo valet which takes awhile because there is no garage. Don't know where they park the cars, but it isn't nearby. Drove over to the Palms. We like their slot selection and my son wanted a shirt from Hart & Huntington.

Played awhile and went to buy the shirt at H&H. While there my husband teased me to ask about the tattoo I've been wanting for 10 years now. My palms start sweating, my heart starts beating very fast and I think to myself, Am I really going to do this? I'm not fearful of the pain, I have a very high tolerance. But if you could see us, we are soooo conservative, what with me in my Talbots outfit and all.

Somehow I find my voice and ask how much for a Fleur de Lis on my foot, I even have a sample photo. It is about 1/2 an inch, very tiny. The girl checks with the artist who happens to be Dizzle from the old A&E show Inked. Well, my son and I were fans of the show and especiall Dizzle, mainly because we liked his nickname. We even named our goldendoodle Dizzle, not necessarily after the guy, but we thought he looked like a Dizzle.

We find out it would have to be at least 1 1/2 inched because of the design. This is when BD says "I think it would be stupid, but if you want to do it, do it."

We leave Palms and go to In and Out to think about it. Well I have thought about it for 10 years and decide I don't care what anyone thinks, I want it. Head back to Palms and I now have a Fleur de Lis on the top left side of my left foot. I still can't believe I did it. I am happy with my one and ONLY tattoo. My kidslike it and think they are impressed their ultra conservative Mom finally did it.

Headed back to Monte Carlo and played a bit then called it a night.

Next day we headed out to GVR, Bonanza Gift shop, Palazzo (which I found packed, easily the largest crowd of any place we visited) and another trip to Eastside Cannery. I had luck there yesterday and needed some more luck ($). I won again, BD lost. He still doesn't like the place, I still do.

Back to Monte CArlo to freshen up for evening. Drove over to Bellagio for some gambling and buffet. Was able to charge buffet to room and comp $ that came with our reservation package covered most of the meal. Actually won on a .05 Stampede so came out ahead on that little visit. From Bellagio we went back to Palms for one last gambling soiree. Proved to be profitable for me as I won over $200 just before we left. Back to Monte Carlo to play some more slots but the losing there continued so we called it a night.

Departure morning is always sad and this was no different. Checked out, gassed up rental ($9after 3 days of driving around greater Las Vegas), dropped off car, boarded flight and slept for 3/4 of the trip home.

Final Thoughts:
*Lost more $ than I usually do but did come home with 25% of bankroll.
*Didn't have many meals.
*Drank less.
*Airport was quiet but casinos seemed busy.
*Halloween set up in front of NYNY freaked me out.
*Happy I finally got my tattoo!

Thanks for reading.

 

Thanks for the TR and congrats on your tattoo! I've been considering one for a while too but never can seem to come up with anything that I want permanently on me. I was wondering what significance the fleur de lys has for you to make you choose it?

 

Nice TR. Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

Fleur de Lis from a LSA fan? A perfect match I'm so glad you finally got the courage to get it, but I am needing a picture of it missy!!!

Glad you had fun, and happy belated bday!!!

 

Congratulations on your trip and your tattoo. I hope I come home with 25% of my bankroll. That makes a trip a success for me!

 

Coaster Kikky, I am originally from Louisiana and of french heritage.
1-I have always loved the fleur de lis and have them all over my home.
2-The top 3 points signify my 3 children and I had the band towards the bottom done in yellow/gold to signify my wedding band.

I just had the outline done except for the band so my skin shows. (Can you visualize? I hope it makes sense.) I do like the way it turned out, but it would be "cuter" if my feet weren't sasquatch size.

As a side note, it didn't hurt and the area around the tattoo was a bit red for maybe a day.

Per Angel's request, I will try to post a photo, just need one of my kids to show me how.

 

Nice report...............

 

Nicely done. Thanks for the TR.

later, GVJ

 

I enjoyed reading your trip report and congrats on finally getting the tattoo you'd been wanting. I have one tattoo and have been wanting to get another as well....perhaps I'll do it the next time I'm in Vegas. Off topic, DH & I have a Labradoodle.........love that doodle!!

 

getting a tattoo in vegas is certainly more exciting then getting one in your hometown!! great tr...thanks!

 

How brave of you to finally get that tattoo! Good for you!

 

Hey, comming back with a tatoo and 25% of your bankroll is still a good trip.

 

Thanks for the TR. Not brave enough here to get a tattoo myself! Glad you had a great time, and it is always a bonus to at least come back with some bankroll.