Left Calgary Friday evening., both of us looking forward to a few days in the sun.  The plane was full and we could not sit together but no problem, Kelli needed to study and this would be a good opportunity to get a couple of hours of concentrated time in on the books without me nattering in her ear.  Wrong!  Early into the flight there was a “medical emergency” on the plane and the request came over the speaker for a doctor to identify themselves.  Both Kelli and another guy pressed their buttons.  Fortunately the emergency wasn’t much and everyone returned to their seats in short order.  The only problem was that Kelli’s seat mate had now discovered what he had sitting next to him. He shared his entire medical history with her and was extremely chatty for the entire flight! 

We arrived in Vegas and grabbed a cab.  We climbed into the back seat and Kelli switched on her google map to check where we were going  We had already read on the hotel website that the hotel was only a short distance from the airport and the very most it should cost you is about $25!  Well, there he was zooming down the freeway and Kelli looked at me and said that he had missed the turnoff.  She called him on it and he tried to tell us you couldn’t get off the freeway that way.  Well, he took us on a long  circular route and the fare ended up being over $35.  When he realized we knew what he was up to he gave us a discount off the fare.  We’re not sure if he got lost or was trying to scam us but I suspect the latter.

Our hotel is off the strip but quite lovely.  We are staying here on points from our “vacation timeshare”.  It iseems somewhat appropriate that it is called the “Cancun Resort” as it was there that we first got caught in one of those presentation things where the deal sounded to good to be true.  I know Bill still regrets buying this but we have had quite a bit of use out of it.  The only real problem is that it is work to make it happen.  The Cancun resort is really nice though and does resemble a Mexican resort.  There are two really nice pools and several hot tubs.  Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen so we actually bought breakfast stuff so we can eat there in the morning.  There is also a fitness room and I have been very good about going down each morning for a workout. 

Yesterday we were up and at it fairly early and were surprised at how quiet the strip was.  We purchased $5.00 bus passes which allow you unlimited bus travel for 24 hours.  We were surprise at how quiet things were but have now realized that most people seem to stay up all night, sleep in or sit by the pool for the first part of the day and then hit the strip and night clubs.  The people watching here is incredible.  I am in my element.  Of course Bill and Kelli both call me nosy….I continue to remind them….observant  is a term I would prefer.  I honestly am open jawed at some of the outfits I have seen here.  Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe some of the get ups we’ve seen.  We wandered some of the strip yesterday and cruised through some of the hotels and casinos.  Went into the Gucci Store and could not believe the prices!  Even if I had the money I wouldn’t be spending thousands of dollars on shoes and handbags!  Obviously there is a market out there though….

We decided to try our hand at gambling but neither of us have ever done this before and cannot figure out how to play some of the games.  We did find one that is fairly simple .  Roulette.    Were actually up $13 at one point but then decided to try the slots.  By the end of the evening we had lost most of our winnings and were down to $3.00.  Thank goodness you don’t have to go to a real live cashier to retrieve your winnings.  You just put your coupon  a machine.  It would be a little embarrassing claiming a $5.00 win.  Honestlyl though, I see how people get hooked on this.  You always feel this need to win back what you’ve lost.

The absolute best part of the day, however was Cirque du Soleil.  It was amazing.  The set was one of the most incredible sets I have ever seen and the show was jaw droppingly fantastic.  Both Kelli and I enjoyed it tremendously.  The only part I couldn’t understand was how many people arrived late…..How can you spend that kind of money on a show and then not even bother to show up on time.  The people sitting next to me arrived at least five minutes into the show and the girl sitting next to me (probably about Kelli’s age) spent the entire show looking at her cell phone.  We would clap at the end of an act and she would look up from her phone and clap as well and then go back to her phone.  I cannot understand this connection people have to their phones.  I am not at all this way….when I’m on holidays, I simply shut it off and don’t bother with it.  I get that it’s a great tool for using to get around, or researching things and sending the odd message but to have it on your person constantly and be looking at it every minute of the day goes beyond my comprehension.  Sadly, though, this seems to be the way our world has gone.  How can one truly every disconnect and have a holiday if you never  let go of being totally accessible all the time?

Well…Happy Easter to all….remember your White Rabbits tomorrow.  Don’t be an April Fool and forget!!!