You know, sometimes things just happen. Actually, I don't believe that. My family seeing this would be the 1st major holiday without my XYL suggested we all go to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. I am undecided at this point whether spontaneous or contrived. It doesn't matter as we all had a grand time. Nothing beats family.
Sons Nick and Tim, the OM, Amy (Tim's XYL) and Gina.
First, I got old and all three sons are taller than me! But I still have hair.
Las Vegas has changed in the last 60 years which is a time span from my 1st visit. At that earlier time there was still present an organized crime influence. Now it is a corporate entity who I think are far better at getting all of your money.
A $27 Blueberry Waffle and the Coffee is Extra
The food was good but expensive as seen in the photo above. It wasn't even a whole waffle but small pieces. A cup of French onion soup was $25 with a bowl costing a lot more.
Giordano's Pizza = Excellent and Reasonable
We stayed at the Paris where we did get a good deal on the rooms but the interior while clean showed marked wear like the rugs were spotted and, in some cases, threadbare.
There was an obvious lack of players as evidenced by the many open slot machines and crap tables. In a couple of cases the croupiers seemed like they were asleep with their eyes open waiting for someone to sit at their table.
A highlight was a visit to the Mob Museum. We heard a lecture by Frank Calabrese Jr. who told his story and how his dad almost killed him. I also spotted something at the museum that had a hometown direct connection to me.
Our town (near Pittsburgh) had two brothers who ran the everything from loan sharking, to gambling and of course prostitution.
There was a display of information about the San Souci Cabaret in Havana Cuba that was a frequent haunt of the rich and famous. Yes, the two brothers were part owners. Their money maker died shortly before Castro came to power.
The three guys went to Hoover Dam while the ladies shopped. At the dam I was surprised that to enter the Visitors Center you had to go through security just like at the airports. The only inspection procedure seemingly not used was the alien anal probe.
While in the visitor's center you were under constant surveillance of armed personnel wearing bullet proof vests, camo uniforms that had stenciled IDs saying Federal Officers. I fantasized that maybe some of these officers actually had chest tattoos of their boss who is a YL. Our California governor has given her a unique trolling moniker.
Bottom line, it was a fun trip of just a few days, and I did not gamble as I never win but the kids did win a few $ with a high win of $100.
Yes, I kept thinking about my XYL who was not physically there with us but always enjoyed visiting Las Vegas.
One observation shortly after arriving there on Wednesday afternoon. While sitting at an outdoor cafe I spotted two YL's walking down the street wearing a thong bikini bottom and not much else on top but did have a plumed head cap. I think for a small fee they would pose with you for a selfie. It was kind of cool (mid 60's) so I guess the YL's didn't sit down on any of the concrete benches. No, I did not get a selfie.
What stays in Vegas is most of your money.
73's
Pete N6QW