PRELUDE:
I've lived all my life here in the upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin and now Minnesota) and I can say with conviction that this winter has been the most brutal and depressing that I can recall. I had nearly hip deep snow in my yard and over 50 days where the temperature dropped below zero; with several days when the mercury never climbed above the zero mark....shiver. I usually take a Vegas springbreak trip, but I really was looking forward to this one...get me the hell out of here!. I flew Delta this time with a RT fare of $199, 2 free nights in a Harrah's Petite suite and 2 freebie nights at the Golden Gate. I didn't rent a car again, but instead bought a 3 day bus pass for $20. Ordered a show ticket to see 'Panda' at the Palazzo.
SUNDAY 3/9:
I booked a late flight with Delta, 7 PM, which they changed a couple of weeks after I had purchased the ticket...now we leave at 8 pm. I had all day Sunday to stew before heading to the MSP airport. The past several trips I have either taken Sun Country or Spirit Airlines which leave out of the smaller Humphrey terminal. Ususally the crowds are small, lines thru security practically nonexistent and the walks to the boarding gate is very short. Oh how I missed all that this trip. Delta uses the larger Lindbergh terminal...what a zoo. The line to get thru security snaked back and forth like at Disney World, my gate was like two counties away. I didn't even get a chance to grab a snack or adult libation before we boarded (oh the horror).
I settled into my window seat and soon we were winging our way to Vegas. I ordered a couple of Tanguerays and some tonic; the FA apologized when she brought me my order. " Sorry sir we only have Bombay Sapphire". Even better, hit me, hit me again. I sipped my drinks, listened to some tunes and drifted off for a short nap. The landing went without incident, I grabbed my carry-on and grabbed a cab after a short wait in line. My female cabbie was pleasant and didn't give me any grief when I told her "No tunnel". She went up Swenson, west on Tropicana, north on Koval...good girl, here's a nice tip.
"Honey, I'm home", I muttered under my breath as I walked into Harrah's lobby. There was a line at check-in so I ducked into the Diamond check in area, asked if my Platinum status rated a check-in there...welcomed with open arms. The clerk checked me in swiftly and gave me a bottled water with my room key package. The 4th floor petite suite was really nothing special....room was a little larger than their standard room, small table, flat screen TV, couch with a coffee table, decent sized bathroom...all with a view of their lovely parking ramp. I unpacked and headed for the casino...almost 11PM...time to gamble.
I sat down at the bar, ordered up a Heineken from TJ the bartender, stuck a $20 in the VP machine ....let the losing streak begin. The brews went down nicely..almost as fast as the twenties I was sticking into the machine, time to go. I walked down to the Flamingo, played some slots..lose, not one bonus round. Played some VP at Bugsy bar....bye bye $twenties$. I checked out the Linq area; O'Sheas was packed. I had not eaten all day, so I had the late night steak special at the Harrah's cafe...it was cheap, but filling...mission accomplished. More loses playing VP and finally surrended and went back to the room, lights out at 01:30.
MONDAY 3/10:
I'm up at 0800 and had breakfast at the Harrah's buffet; good selections, no complaints here. Walked over to the Palazzo and played my Star Trek slot, picked up another medal, but no cash. I retrieved by ticket for Panda, deposited it in the room safe and then took another beating playing more VP. Becoming more depressed, I bolted out the door towards the Cosmo and picked up my bus pass and hopped on the Deuce for the MGM. I headed immediately for the Lions Share slot only to find someone playing with several other people waiting in line to take a crack at the jackpot. Nope, not going to waste my Vegas time....I'll hit it next trip. I walked back up to the Pho and picked up a half price ticket for tonights performance of Zombie Burlesque. I quenched my thirst with a stout (half price) at Sin City Brewery and then picked up the Bally's shuttle to the Rio. My $10 free played netted zilch. I did enjoy an hour or two at my favorite Vegas sanctuary, the Wine Cellar. Lita and Jose were glad to see me and I enjoyed a flight of reds, including my favorite Duckhorn merlot.
I took the shuttle back to Bally's and then sat at the bar over at the Miracle Mile waiting for my show. Zombie Burlesque was interesting(different) and fairly entertaining..would not pay full price, however. At least I got a free jello shot. I grabbed the SDX for downtown, lost at BJ at the Gate and then consoled myself with a steaming bowl of oxtail soup at the Cal...yummy. Then it was back to Harrah's more VP, more losing. Okay, lets play some 3 card poker, I usually do well even though it is a "Carnie" game...nope, dropped $300 in about 30 minutes...ouch. Bedtime at 0300.
TUESDAY 3/11:
I crawled out of bed at the crack of 0900, showered, packed, checked out and stowed by bag with the bell desk. I had a late breakfast at the Venetian Grand Lux, always great food and service. I had another losing VP session before getting my suitcase and taking a rather crowded Deuce downtown. Checkin at the Golden Gate was smooth, assigned room 303, facing Main St toward the rear away from FSE...perfect. I had a brief and unprofitable VP session at the D before heading back to the strip and had a late lunch at KGB burger at Harrahs using a half off groupon. Their lemon drop martinis are quite tasty. My burger was tasty as well, but after all it is only a burger. More losing ensued afterwards playing some slots at Harrah's...what's a bonus round?
I again took the shuttle to the Rio and again enjoyed my time at the wine cellar. Mary Ann planted a big kiss on my cheek when I walked in. She gave me a generous pour of a very nice Oregon Pinot Noir...please, may I have another? Time was getting short so I reluctantly, left for my show, Panda. I'm told that this show was produced by the same guy that put the opening and closing ceremonies together for the Bejing Olympics. There is a lot of action on and off the stage, actors dropping down from the ceiling or coming down the aisles from the back of the theater & special video and lighting effects. This would be a great and very entertaining show to take your kids to....if you bring them, of which I am in the camp that thinks Vegas is strictly an adult playground. (brief rant over). I had a great seat and enjoyed the show. The stage lights dimmed at one point in the show and the theater was pitch black. My seat was on the aisle and when the lights suddenly came on, one of the "villians" of the show was standing right next to me..jumped in my seat in surprise I did.
After the show I took one more stab at Harrah's coffers and struck out again. This losing really sucks. I took the bus back to downtown and decided to play some bous VP poker at the Boars Head bar at MSS and quaff down several of their delicious black chip porters...sat down, insert players card and Mr Jackson and bartender tells me that they are out of the Porter....losing all the way around. I have one of their ales and drop several more $20 before leaving for the D and lose more money. I finish off my "perfect" day of gambling by dropping around $100 at the Gate's BJ table.
WEDNESDAY 3/12:
I'm up at 0800 today and jump in the shower...only there is no water. The shower handles are loose and just spin around. I fished abound in my shaving kit and use part of my nail clippers as a screwdriver and tighten the handles enough to be functional. Most of the time I have a hard time regulating the water temperature with the Golden Gate showers, not this time. Breakfast is at the counter at Dupars...their fresh squeezed OJ is delicious. This morning I decided to make a coupon run downtown. My freeplay at the Plaza was a bust as was my matchplay. I never win there. Things picked up for the rest of the morning as my freeplays always netted me a small profit and I won all my matchplays to boot. I ended up playing VP at the 4 Q's and won $40. I had an uncashed TITO for $20 from last trip so I cashed that in at the cage. I then went over to the Chicago brew pub to settle an old "debt". It seems that the last day of my December trip I enjoyed way too many adult beverages while downtown. I played VP at the Chicago brew pub, won $20 (uncashed TITO), had a delicious pizza and apparently walked out without paying. It was only at the airport when I reached into my pocket that I found the bill. I have kept the bill for the past couple of months, so I walked over to the counter and explained to the person working about my memory lapse. I showed him the bill for $11 and handed him $15 with my apology. He looked stunned. "Well, this is a first" he said. My conscience is cleared.
My last coupon run stop was at the El Co, made $10. I then walked over to the new container park and checked that out....nice. The East end of Fremont has come a long way in the past couple of years...no longer a bunch of empty storefronts and seedy characters (present company excluded). I thought that I would go over to the Downtown Grand and cash in my free drink and free gift coupons...never made it.
Hogs and Heifers is a bar just north of the FSE and I have always wanted to check this place out...well today was the day. I walked into the dimly lit barroom around 1 PM, the place had a few harmless looking patrons sitting at the bar and four lovely young bartenders serving drinks and colorful language. They all wore halter tops and cutoff jean shorts. My bartender, Cinnamon, could belch with the best of them. Shortly after my first shot of Jack Daniels and a Bud chaser a group of fellow Minnesotans walzed in and the fun began. Three hours later and countless Buds and shots I bid adeiu to Cinnamon and her co-workers and stumbled back to the Gate and passed out in my room. I woke up four hours later and pinched myself to see if I was dead,,,nope, still kicking.
I regrouped and had the prime rib dinner at Dupars and my head started to clear up somewhat. I headed for the D, but stopped to listen to a couple of muscians playing electronic cellos; they call themselves "We are Bridge". Interesting music. To my surprise I won $40 playing VP at the D. Back at the Gate I played BJ the rest of the night and quit up about $75. Still feeling a little whooze from this afternoon's antics I retired to my room and crashed til the dawn.
THRUSDAY 3/13:
I again had breakfast at the counter at Dupars using my food credit from the Gate. I played some slots at the Gate, won $20, $20 at the 4Q's and another $40 at the D. I walked down to the Grand and picked up my free gift, a deck of cards. I made a brief appearance at Hogs and Heifers...the bartenders remembered me...well, they sure remembered my fedora that I always wear while in Vegas. Two Bud lights later I escaped before I started to enjoy myself too much. I bought in to a craps game at the Gate and spent a couple of enjoyable hours with great tablemates. Walked away up $175. I then played one last BJ session and netted another $65 before heading to catch the bus for the airport.
The Centennial bus pulled up and the RTS employee that was checking riders for their tickets told me that I could take this bus to the airport, JUST like the WAX. The only detail she left out is that it takes a different route...took me and hour and twenty minutes to get to the terminal. We left on time with a full flight except that I didn't have anyone sitting in the middle seat....I did have a screaming infant in the seat behind me, however. Her wails were intermittent, so it was not a problem. Minneapolis greeted me with a dusting of snow and temperatures in the teens. The roads were clear and I was home around 0200.
It took two days to shake the cobwebs from my head and catch up on some much needed sleep.
EPILOGUE:
It was a losing trip this time, but my downtown last day rally, put a dent in the loses....down $800 for the trip. The weather was great...I had almost forgot what it was like to wear a short sleeve shirt or go outside without wearing a stocking cap. Playing downtown definitely gives you more bang for your gambling buck. I enjoyed the shows and my time spent at the Rio Wine Cellar. I usually play JOB or DW when I play VP. This trip I armed myself with a strategy card and mostly played Bonus poker. I think I got one Quad for the trip and that is when I was playing JOB. I'll give it another go in May. Speaking of next trip.....three comped nights at the Rio and the 4th night for $40. Flying Sun Country for $200 RT; hope to score a 1st class upgrade. Madman Mike will be my travel companion, along with another coworker who has been out with us for several other trips. Big Jake will be iin Vegas the weekend before we arrive. When he found out about our trip, he extended his stay. I'll be looking forward to some long sessions at the Golden Gate's BJ tables with these guys...always a fun time. At least one strip club visit will be on the docket and a session at the gun range. Hope Madman doesn't implode at the roulette tables. Hope you enjoyed the report...it was fun living it.....Later.
I've lived all my life here in the upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin and now Minnesota) and I can say with conviction that this winter has been the most brutal and depressing that I can recall. I had nearly hip deep snow in my yard and over 50 days where the temperature dropped below zero; with several days when the mercury never climbed above the zero mark....shiver. I usually take a Vegas springbreak trip, but I really was looking forward to this one...get me the hell out of here!. I flew Delta this time with a RT fare of $199, 2 free nights in a Harrah's Petite suite and 2 freebie nights at the Golden Gate. I didn't rent a car again, but instead bought a 3 day bus pass for $20. Ordered a show ticket to see 'Panda' at the Palazzo.
SUNDAY 3/9:
I booked a late flight with Delta, 7 PM, which they changed a couple of weeks after I had purchased the ticket...now we leave at 8 pm. I had all day Sunday to stew before heading to the MSP airport. The past several trips I have either taken Sun Country or Spirit Airlines which leave out of the smaller Humphrey terminal. Ususally the crowds are small, lines thru security practically nonexistent and the walks to the boarding gate is very short. Oh how I missed all that this trip. Delta uses the larger Lindbergh terminal...what a zoo. The line to get thru security snaked back and forth like at Disney World, my gate was like two counties away. I didn't even get a chance to grab a snack or adult libation before we boarded (oh the horror).
I settled into my window seat and soon we were winging our way to Vegas. I ordered a couple of Tanguerays and some tonic; the FA apologized when she brought me my order. " Sorry sir we only have Bombay Sapphire". Even better, hit me, hit me again. I sipped my drinks, listened to some tunes and drifted off for a short nap. The landing went without incident, I grabbed my carry-on and grabbed a cab after a short wait in line. My female cabbie was pleasant and didn't give me any grief when I told her "No tunnel". She went up Swenson, west on Tropicana, north on Koval...good girl, here's a nice tip.
"Honey, I'm home", I muttered under my breath as I walked into Harrah's lobby. There was a line at check-in so I ducked into the Diamond check in area, asked if my Platinum status rated a check-in there...welcomed with open arms. The clerk checked me in swiftly and gave me a bottled water with my room key package. The 4th floor petite suite was really nothing special....room was a little larger than their standard room, small table, flat screen TV, couch with a coffee table, decent sized bathroom...all with a view of their lovely parking ramp. I unpacked and headed for the casino...almost 11PM...time to gamble.
I sat down at the bar, ordered up a Heineken from TJ the bartender, stuck a $20 in the VP machine ....let the losing streak begin. The brews went down nicely..almost as fast as the twenties I was sticking into the machine, time to go. I walked down to the Flamingo, played some slots..lose, not one bonus round. Played some VP at Bugsy bar....bye bye $twenties$. I checked out the Linq area; O'Sheas was packed. I had not eaten all day, so I had the late night steak special at the Harrah's cafe...it was cheap, but filling...mission accomplished. More loses playing VP and finally surrended and went back to the room, lights out at 01:30.
MONDAY 3/10:
I'm up at 0800 and had breakfast at the Harrah's buffet; good selections, no complaints here. Walked over to the Palazzo and played my Star Trek slot, picked up another medal, but no cash. I retrieved by ticket for Panda, deposited it in the room safe and then took another beating playing more VP. Becoming more depressed, I bolted out the door towards the Cosmo and picked up my bus pass and hopped on the Deuce for the MGM. I headed immediately for the Lions Share slot only to find someone playing with several other people waiting in line to take a crack at the jackpot. Nope, not going to waste my Vegas time....I'll hit it next trip. I walked back up to the Pho and picked up a half price ticket for tonights performance of Zombie Burlesque. I quenched my thirst with a stout (half price) at Sin City Brewery and then picked up the Bally's shuttle to the Rio. My $10 free played netted zilch. I did enjoy an hour or two at my favorite Vegas sanctuary, the Wine Cellar. Lita and Jose were glad to see me and I enjoyed a flight of reds, including my favorite Duckhorn merlot.
I took the shuttle back to Bally's and then sat at the bar over at the Miracle Mile waiting for my show. Zombie Burlesque was interesting(different) and fairly entertaining..would not pay full price, however. At least I got a free jello shot. I grabbed the SDX for downtown, lost at BJ at the Gate and then consoled myself with a steaming bowl of oxtail soup at the Cal...yummy. Then it was back to Harrah's more VP, more losing. Okay, lets play some 3 card poker, I usually do well even though it is a "Carnie" game...nope, dropped $300 in about 30 minutes...ouch. Bedtime at 0300.
TUESDAY 3/11:
I crawled out of bed at the crack of 0900, showered, packed, checked out and stowed by bag with the bell desk. I had a late breakfast at the Venetian Grand Lux, always great food and service. I had another losing VP session before getting my suitcase and taking a rather crowded Deuce downtown. Checkin at the Golden Gate was smooth, assigned room 303, facing Main St toward the rear away from FSE...perfect. I had a brief and unprofitable VP session at the D before heading back to the strip and had a late lunch at KGB burger at Harrahs using a half off groupon. Their lemon drop martinis are quite tasty. My burger was tasty as well, but after all it is only a burger. More losing ensued afterwards playing some slots at Harrah's...what's a bonus round?
I again took the shuttle to the Rio and again enjoyed my time at the wine cellar. Mary Ann planted a big kiss on my cheek when I walked in. She gave me a generous pour of a very nice Oregon Pinot Noir...please, may I have another? Time was getting short so I reluctantly, left for my show, Panda. I'm told that this show was produced by the same guy that put the opening and closing ceremonies together for the Bejing Olympics. There is a lot of action on and off the stage, actors dropping down from the ceiling or coming down the aisles from the back of the theater & special video and lighting effects. This would be a great and very entertaining show to take your kids to....if you bring them, of which I am in the camp that thinks Vegas is strictly an adult playground. (brief rant over). I had a great seat and enjoyed the show. The stage lights dimmed at one point in the show and the theater was pitch black. My seat was on the aisle and when the lights suddenly came on, one of the "villians" of the show was standing right next to me..jumped in my seat in surprise I did.
After the show I took one more stab at Harrah's coffers and struck out again. This losing really sucks. I took the bus back to downtown and decided to play some bous VP poker at the Boars Head bar at MSS and quaff down several of their delicious black chip porters...sat down, insert players card and Mr Jackson and bartender tells me that they are out of the Porter....losing all the way around. I have one of their ales and drop several more $20 before leaving for the D and lose more money. I finish off my "perfect" day of gambling by dropping around $100 at the Gate's BJ table.
WEDNESDAY 3/12:
I'm up at 0800 today and jump in the shower...only there is no water. The shower handles are loose and just spin around. I fished abound in my shaving kit and use part of my nail clippers as a screwdriver and tighten the handles enough to be functional. Most of the time I have a hard time regulating the water temperature with the Golden Gate showers, not this time. Breakfast is at the counter at Dupars...their fresh squeezed OJ is delicious. This morning I decided to make a coupon run downtown. My freeplay at the Plaza was a bust as was my matchplay. I never win there. Things picked up for the rest of the morning as my freeplays always netted me a small profit and I won all my matchplays to boot. I ended up playing VP at the 4 Q's and won $40. I had an uncashed TITO for $20 from last trip so I cashed that in at the cage. I then went over to the Chicago brew pub to settle an old "debt". It seems that the last day of my December trip I enjoyed way too many adult beverages while downtown. I played VP at the Chicago brew pub, won $20 (uncashed TITO), had a delicious pizza and apparently walked out without paying. It was only at the airport when I reached into my pocket that I found the bill. I have kept the bill for the past couple of months, so I walked over to the counter and explained to the person working about my memory lapse. I showed him the bill for $11 and handed him $15 with my apology. He looked stunned. "Well, this is a first" he said. My conscience is cleared.
My last coupon run stop was at the El Co, made $10. I then walked over to the new container park and checked that out....nice. The East end of Fremont has come a long way in the past couple of years...no longer a bunch of empty storefronts and seedy characters (present company excluded). I thought that I would go over to the Downtown Grand and cash in my free drink and free gift coupons...never made it.
Hogs and Heifers is a bar just north of the FSE and I have always wanted to check this place out...well today was the day. I walked into the dimly lit barroom around 1 PM, the place had a few harmless looking patrons sitting at the bar and four lovely young bartenders serving drinks and colorful language. They all wore halter tops and cutoff jean shorts. My bartender, Cinnamon, could belch with the best of them. Shortly after my first shot of Jack Daniels and a Bud chaser a group of fellow Minnesotans walzed in and the fun began. Three hours later and countless Buds and shots I bid adeiu to Cinnamon and her co-workers and stumbled back to the Gate and passed out in my room. I woke up four hours later and pinched myself to see if I was dead,,,nope, still kicking.
I regrouped and had the prime rib dinner at Dupars and my head started to clear up somewhat. I headed for the D, but stopped to listen to a couple of muscians playing electronic cellos; they call themselves "We are Bridge". Interesting music. To my surprise I won $40 playing VP at the D. Back at the Gate I played BJ the rest of the night and quit up about $75. Still feeling a little whooze from this afternoon's antics I retired to my room and crashed til the dawn.
THRUSDAY 3/13:
I again had breakfast at the counter at Dupars using my food credit from the Gate. I played some slots at the Gate, won $20, $20 at the 4Q's and another $40 at the D. I walked down to the Grand and picked up my free gift, a deck of cards. I made a brief appearance at Hogs and Heifers...the bartenders remembered me...well, they sure remembered my fedora that I always wear while in Vegas. Two Bud lights later I escaped before I started to enjoy myself too much. I bought in to a craps game at the Gate and spent a couple of enjoyable hours with great tablemates. Walked away up $175. I then played one last BJ session and netted another $65 before heading to catch the bus for the airport.
The Centennial bus pulled up and the RTS employee that was checking riders for their tickets told me that I could take this bus to the airport, JUST like the WAX. The only detail she left out is that it takes a different route...took me and hour and twenty minutes to get to the terminal. We left on time with a full flight except that I didn't have anyone sitting in the middle seat....I did have a screaming infant in the seat behind me, however. Her wails were intermittent, so it was not a problem. Minneapolis greeted me with a dusting of snow and temperatures in the teens. The roads were clear and I was home around 0200.
It took two days to shake the cobwebs from my head and catch up on some much needed sleep.
EPILOGUE:
It was a losing trip this time, but my downtown last day rally, put a dent in the loses....down $800 for the trip. The weather was great...I had almost forgot what it was like to wear a short sleeve shirt or go outside without wearing a stocking cap. Playing downtown definitely gives you more bang for your gambling buck. I enjoyed the shows and my time spent at the Rio Wine Cellar. I usually play JOB or DW when I play VP. This trip I armed myself with a strategy card and mostly played Bonus poker. I think I got one Quad for the trip and that is when I was playing JOB. I'll give it another go in May. Speaking of next trip.....three comped nights at the Rio and the 4th night for $40. Flying Sun Country for $200 RT; hope to score a 1st class upgrade. Madman Mike will be my travel companion, along with another coworker who has been out with us for several other trips. Big Jake will be iin Vegas the weekend before we arrive. When he found out about our trip, he extended his stay. I'll be looking forward to some long sessions at the Golden Gate's BJ tables with these guys...always a fun time. At least one strip club visit will be on the docket and a session at the gun range. Hope Madman doesn't implode at the roulette tables. Hope you enjoyed the report...it was fun living it.....Later.
