Skies are back to battleship gray in Sin City, as we’re pelted with another round of rainstorms. However … last week’s four-day deluge may ruined the week for locals and conventioneers but weekenders reaped the benefits in the form of stunning, wraparound vistas of snowcapped mountains circling the Vegas Valley. I have no idea if many (or any) tourists took advantage of the opportunity to scope out Red Rock Canyon but conditions for it were literally picture perfect.
If you need respite from the happy madness at Bellagio, step into the Chinese New Year display that currently adorns the Conservatory. The artisans responsible have outdone themselves, whether crafting the topiary panda family or building the Ming Dynasty pagoda. The tiger looks distinctly stoned (Did Gary Loveman slip it some ‘ludes?) but, on the whole, this is a refreshing, mood-altering and — dare I say it? — spiritual space. Better still, coins flung into the Dings (the urns which hold the oversized joss sticks) eventually find their way to Habitat for Humanity. Kudos to MGM Mirage for remembering those who are homeless.
