December 31st: New Years Eve

A later start today, as yesterday's consumption began to catch up with everyone. We decided to postpone a trip to the Hoover Dam to avoid traffic, and so headed over to Circo (in Bellagio) for lunch. Nice place with good views of the fountains and basic but tasty food. The lasagna, in particular, was described as being "the best restaurant lasagne ever," and the tuna carpaccio was also deemed a winner.

It was now time to begin gambling (although no one is the least bit serious about it). A couple of us proceeded to drop a few bills each playing blackjack in Bellagio, while everyone else watched and laughed. Mike then decided to give roulette a spin, thanks to an investment by some friends from Chapel Hill. First time in Vegas in over a decade, and wouldn't you know it, he hits the first two numbers back to back. A lot richer (and still wise), he decided to take the money and run. The women in the party then decided to give the slots a try, although the only thing I saw them get were money gloves curtesy of their enrollment in Bellagio's comp program.

We had decided to avoid the crowds for the evening so we stayed in Mandalay and had dinner at Aureole, noted for its vertical wine tower in the entrance. Given the holiday evening, dinner was a fixed menu, which didn't disappoint. We started with one coddled oyster, then progressed to a butternut squash soup with lobster and black truffles. Next was a roasted sea bass with a tempura shrimp, which may have been the highlight of dinner. The third course was a roasted guinea hen breast with foie gras, also very tasty. Last was a grilled lamb loin with red peppers, which was also very good, but a little disappointing in comparison. We had a bottle of Patz & Hall Hine Valley pinoit noir, an interesting (ie aggressive) shiraz that matched very well with the lamb, a Kistler Chardonnay and a dry french white (of which I know very little) with the sea bass. All in all, very strong, and I would recommend it for those either getting comped or looking for a big evening.

We then headed outside around 11:45 for the fireworks. For what its worth, I thought they were a great idea and a lot of fun to watch. If they do it again, however, I would suggest either staggering the start times down the strip further apart, or launching them simultaneously with better coordination.

January 1st: Where's Gideon

We awoke very happy to discover that either the Rapture was still somewhere past the horizon, or that we had been left behind exactly where we already were, which in either case, isn't such a bad outcome giving the iniquities of our recent lifestyle. But promising to start living better, we decided to leave Vegas (briefly) and tour the Hoover Dam.

It took only 30 minutes to get within 4 miles of the dam, but then another 30 minutes crawling to reach the visitor center. We reserved space for the hardhat tour ($25), which I would recommend. First, you get your very own hardhat to take with you when you leave. Second, you get to see much more of the interior of the dam, including the support tunnels that were utilized in its construction. The guides have a slightly twisted sense of humor, and couldn't resist discussing earthquakes while deep underground or turning out the lights in absolute pitch black.

Traffic back to Vegas wasn't bad at all, so we regrouped before heading over to the Mirage for a show and dinner. All I can say is that, IMHO, seeing Sigfried and Roy once is more than enough. The white tigers and lions are impressive, and some of the magic acts really are good. But these guys, and Sigfried, in particular, are getting old. However, they did survive, so the act goes on.

We had dinner at Onda (also in Mirage), which Zagats describes as contemporary Italian, but struck me as being very traditional. I wasn't thrilled with the Seafood Linguine Diavalo, but you would have needed a very sharp knife to pry away any Ossu Buco from those who ordered it. Setting is nice, and service was also good.

Janury 2nd: Why Fly

Since it was still in the mid-60's and sunny in Vegas (as opposed to mid-20's and snowy in NYC), everyone talked everyone else into staying another day, so it was down to the pool for some sun and reading (and more than a few gin and tonics as the day progresses.

We had dinner in Commander's Palace (in Alladin), which I would also highly recommend. Fritz, the bartender we amused the other day, remembered us well, and had mint julips rolling out within minutes. Most memorable dish: turtle soup, which simply needs to be eaten. The gumbo was also very good, and there were thumbs up for the grilled gulf fish (grouper) and the creole seasoned filet mignon. Since everyone had early departures on the 3rd, we closed down early.

January 3rd: Safe Travels

Not much to report. Caught AA#691 at 6:45AM to LAX, then AA#2 to JFK. Slight delay leaving LAS as a couple in first asked to have their checked baggage brought up so that they could get some medicine out of it, but only about 10 minutes, so no harm done. We arrived into JFK on time, then had another 10 minute wait wait our gate to open, which all in all, ain't such a bad thing.