$86.18 out of pocket, midday on Thursday. Yup.

Next was a trip to Casino Royal a bit more north on the strip for their $50 free slot play upon sing up for their player's club. We each got our $50 and settled into their promo slots. No jackpots won but each had a couple of free drinks while playing. Also had a coupon upon sign up for 2 margaritas for $1. Used one of those for a couple of margaritas and spent another $20 of our our own cash in the real slots. Total spent to date $107.18

Next we headed over to Mirage for a light snack before the Cirque show re got free tix for from a friend. (more on that later) At Mirage, stopped at Japonais for their happy hour 1/2 price apps (daily from 5 to 8) Had 2 of their flank steak kabobs and split a yellowtail-scallion roll in a beautiful restaurant under the tropical rainforest glass dome which is well lit as far as ambiance and such. Spent an hour there and $25.62 including tip. (I tip at 20% all the time on what would be normal price, BTW) A nice snack in a pleasing environment. Total spent $132.80.

Headed home to the Jockey Club in the car and valet parked it for the night (mandatory, but free while construction is going on next door) but tipped $2 to the valet for some useful navigation tips. Total spent $134.80.

Next we walked over to the new Aria in the new City Center because that's where we were going to see Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis! I've seen quite afew Cirque shows as I work in the entertainment lighting industry and this wasn't one I particularly wanted to see but my friend Lee works for the show and offered us free tix so I certainly wasn't going to turn them down on this budget trip! We spent $36.87 on some slots while waiting for showtime. Total to date $171.67.

After the slots, we went on to see the show. Definitely the worst Cirque show I've seen (out of 5 or 6) so I wouldn't recommend it, but if you're a huge Elvis fan, definitely go check it out. It wasn't really bad, It just wasn't very good as far as my tastes are concerned. But it was free! Thanks Lee! We also scored some show swag in the form of 3 silk Elvis scarves and a show pin. Yay.

After the show we had a great tour of backstage with Lee, both upstairs at stage level and downstairs under the stage where so much of the magic happens. It was great to see all of the ins and outs of the technology involved in putting such a big show together.

After the tour we took Lee out to the dinner we had seen advertised on the strip earlier and had set our minds upon -- $5.99 steak and eggs at Bills Gambling Hall, midnight to 6am. Yum. Steak was cheap but tastey and eggs were delicious. The service was hilarious and it was perfect for three bored guys at 1am! Total to date $194.10.

After dinner/breakfast Lee headed home and so did we, back to the Club. Had a couple of cocktails and called it a night. Asleep by 3am with full bellies and a great day under our belts.

[another break for those who need it. More to come in a few mins!]