As much as I enjoy travelling, it sure does feel good to be home…
… even if it does take me a few days to get back into the swing of everyday life. Case in point: I didn’t get out of my PJs or leave my house until around 7 PM last night, and even then it was only to run (read: drive) to the grocery store to pick up some toilet paper since I was down to a single roll — which is basically begging for disaster to strike. But after a somewhat sleepless weekend followed by a late flight and not getting home until around 2 AM, it was basically all I could muster up the energy to do. Nothing like being reminded that you’re definitely not 21 anymore!
That being said, today’s post is comin’ at ya in point form, since transitional sentences and coherent thought flow are beyond me right now. And in place of a traditional recap post, I’m just going to share some random thoughts from my trip to Vegas a la Thinking Out Loud style, since a) I didn’t take enough pictures to recap 87.5% of the trip, and b) what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…
1. I made friends with a burro that I affectionally named Jack. And Hollie, he totally made me think of you and your parents’ pet donkey…
2. How the heck did I manage to find a burro in the middle of Vegas, you might ask? By leaving Vegas. We were feeling a little adventurous, so we decided to take a few trips out into the dessert to explore the surrounding area. First up was the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon…
It ended up being a little further than anyone expected (about 2.5 hours), but the views were more than worth it…
3. Trip #2 was considerably shorter — we drove about 30 minutes to get to Red Rock Canyon…
4. … and after both of those trips, I have concluded that I’m definitely not meant for the heat of the desert… or heat in general. I think it was around 42ºC (107ºF) almost every day we were there, which meant that most of our time was spent in one of two places: anywhere that had AC, or out by the pool…
5. It also got dark super early, and by super early I mean around 8:30 PM. I realize that may not seem early to some people, but up here in Edmonton it’s still pretty bright out at 10:30, so the earlier sunsets were something that I definitely noticed. Then again, it’s never really dark in Vegas…
6. It’s also nearly impossible to whip up a batch of coffee maker oats. From my experience, Vegas hotels (or at least the ones I’ve stayed at) are notoriously bad for not having in-room coffee makers… which means that I didn’t have oats for breakfast for 4 whole days. Sad face. I probably could have gone down to ask for a cup of hot water from one of the cafes, buuuuuut it was easier to just whip up a bowl of yogurt, fruit, and cereal — Barbara’s Morning Oat Crunch, in case you were wondering. And I wish I could have brought some home with me, but I finished off the whole box while I was there. I do think we can find them up here in Canadaland, though… I’ll have to look into that.
7. No matter how many times I’ve seen them go off, I’ll probably never get tired of the fountains at the Bellagio…
8. … or the ever-unique displays in their botanical garden…
9. But as much as I enjoyed the trip… I think it might be time to find a new place to visit. This was my 4th trip to Vegas in the past couple of years, and I kind of felt like I was running out of things to do. Maybe it might be time to bite the bullet and finally head on over to the east coast for once? I haven’t been to NYC since I was around 3 or 4 years old, and I’d really love to see it again…
Have you ever been to Vegas? What was one of your favourite things to do?
What’s one of your favourite cities to visit? Or what’s one that you really want to visit?
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How long is the flight to Vegas? I’ve only been once before but would love to re-visit it. I was there for my cousin’s wedding so I don’t think I fully took in all that the city had to offer! Aside from the wedding functions, 2 highlights of the trip were shopping (both food & clothing) & the Cirque Du Soleil Eau Show which was every bit as amazing as I imagined!
The flight from Edmonton is a little under 3 hours — so not too tragic! And do you mean “O”? The water one? Because that was one of the first Cirque shows I saw and it was freaking amazing.
I’ve been to Vegas once…I was bad at it. I didn’t have any money to gamble, I like to be in bed by 10, and the casinos with no visible exits freaked me out.
If you go to the the East Coast, I can recommend my two former hometowns – Philadelphia and Boston!
I’ve never been to Vegas before, but I kid you not–I know NINE people who are there this week. If you saw any one with bright pink hair doing weird things that was one of my friends. Then again…it’s Vegas so you probably saw that in multiple places ha.
I’ve never been to Vegas, so I enjoyed living vicariously through your post about it 🙂 I’m also so jealous you went to the Grand Canyon! I’ve wanted to visit there since I was a little girl, but haven’t had the chance yet. Someday!
Looks like such a fab trip! Would love to see Vegas one day!
I love visiting London and don’t think I will ever tire of it – I go every year – 3 times this year! there is always something new to do!
I am desperate to go to California though – anywhere in California I’m not fussy! ha! 🙂
London is definitely on my list of places that I want to visit! I’ve never been, but I keep hearing that it’s such an amazing city. Now to work myself up to be able to deal with the 8+ hour flight…
Beautiful pictures! Glad you had a blast! That’s crazy that it doesn’t get dark until 10:30 where you live. I had no idea… here in Texas, it’s dark about 9:00 and I though that was late. 😉
I love the Bellagio!! And yes, the heat sure does wear on you, eh? Now you know how I feel out here in good ol’ AZ every day lately. Haha. While I do enjoy certain aspects of Las Vegas, I can totally understand that it gets a little old after awhile. Maybe it’s just not my scene? I’d love to visit the east coast one of these days. I’ve never been!!
Oh girl — I don’t even know how you handle AZ. Maybe it’s just because I’m used to the cooler North, but that kind of heat basically makes me useless… and cranky 😆
Pittsburgh! Come visit me 🙂 I’ve never been to Vegas, but Joe lived there for a bit and has been many times. He loves it and says we’re going sometime soon. Ok then. I’d really want to see a show if we went or just wander around aimlessly taking in the sights haha. Grand Canyon would also be on my must see list. Still haven’t been there and that makes me sad 🙁
Never been to Vegas and probably won’t bother until I’m of gambling/drinking age… lol! I loved visiting Manhattan April before last. It is so stunningly amazing and I can’t wait to go back in Feb!
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
I totally understand what you mean about visiting Vegas too often…there is only so much you can do there before it all gets old and repetitive. With that said, I vote NYC as the next vacation 😛
Beautiful pictures! I haven’t been to Vegas (yet!) but it’s somewhere I’d like to visit…I need to just plan a west coast trip and visit California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Arizona are all places I would like to visit. Some of my favorite cities are New York and DC. I just love the energy when I’m in those two places–I feel so alive! So, if you are looking for a change, I would absolutely recommend those two places. 🙂
I keep hearing that about the energy of NYC. I’m about 99.9% sure that that’ll be my next trip…
I went to NYC for the first time last year and it was amazing! I loved it. We went dirt weekend in September and the weather was perfect. So glad to see you were in my backyard. The Grand Canyon is so gorgeous! In hoping to home it in a couple months.
I’ve never been to Vegas but I really want to go soon, while I’m young, hip, and still able to party. I wanna do it right (ever seen the Hangover?? lolol jk I’m not that intense). Anyhooo, looks like a really fun trip! Seeing the canyons are on my bucket list. Hopefully within the next few years I’ll make it out there more than once so I can see all that I want to! Glad you’re home safe!
I went to NYC for my high school graduation and you won’t be disappointed! While I was there we explored times square of course, central park, the statue of liberty and went to a comedy show and I still feel like I missed so much!
I am from Southern Cali so vegas trips happen often — and I know what you mean about running out of things to do while there haha. Did you visit any buffets?
We didn’t. I have a hard time eating at buffets because of my allergies and the possibility of cross-contamination 🙁
Unless you are a partier who wants to drink and club it up, ya vegas will get kind old eventually. Unless you find some show to go to each time. That could make it worth it 🙂
107 degrees? I would melt! I don’t do well with heat either. It was like 85 degrees on Friday when I went to an amusement park with my parents and I was MISERABLE. Pretty much sat in the shade while my family waited in line for rides. Haha.
I made the mistake of hitting up too many shows on my first few visits and not having any left to see. I mean, there’s always the smaller ones, but the concerts and Cirque shows have always been my favourite. And I have no idea what it is, but the older I get, the more I suck at handling the heat. Soon I’m going to have to move to Alaska…
Your pictures from the Grand Canyon and Red Rocks are beautiful! Yes, what happens in Vegas definitely needs to stay in Vegas haha After going there twice in one year I’m ready to travel somewhere new for my next trip. However, one of my favorite things to do in Vegas with my friends is go to brunch at the Wynn hotel and have the bottomless mimosas and of course eat tons of delicious food!
I’ve never been but it sounds amazing!!
I grew up just a few hours west of Vegas in the California desert. When I go back there, it feels like home – I just love it. I love how ridiculous everyone dresses, I love the heat and the pools, but most of all I LOVE to gamble 😉
Vegas is one of my all-time favorite cities – I was just there too a few months ago! Too bad we weren’t there at the same time.
Except that you’ll have to go back to Vegas at least once so you can take me 😉 And I love the Grand Canyon pics! I flew over it when I was flying from Arizona to Utah, but somehow, it looks a lot nicer up close :-p
I think for US cities, the one highest on my list is New Orleans, because I’m so intrigued by the history there. Close second is Vegas, followed by New York.
OK so you know you have a place to stay here in NY, right? Like just book the flight and I will promise you hot oats for breakfast every morning…I am all excited and hope you are really considering coming! I offer the best tours and will find every allergy friendly dessert spot, yogurt store and restaurant in the city. And yeah, handbag shopping too.
The question is… would you be willing to purge your house of PB while I was there? 😛
I have been to Vegas a few times and I remember it wasn’t warm enough to be out by the pool so we spent most of our time in the casinos. I also remember seeing some shows- and one time Billy Joel was performing there so we got to see him! That was pretty fun. I can’t believe you drove all the way to the Grand Canyon! Looks beautiful though!
Honestly, we didn’t think it would be an all-day affair and I’m not sure we would have gone if we knew we’d need to spend 5 hours in the car. Definitely worth it though!
How fun exploring the grand canyon – I’ve never been! I too love the Bellagio – it’s my favorite casino!
I drove through Vegas on my move from NYC to LA but since I was by myself decided not to stop and explore at all…but quite honestly, I know it’s one of those places that I should see (if not to say to just say I’ve been) but I’d much rather hit up the East Coast…NYC and Boston, yes please!
I hope the donkey didn’t make any crazy noises at you. Whenever ours sees an apple he will go nuts and make this hitched scree mand yelp. Your photos ate absolutely stunning btw. I’m glad you had a great time in Vegas!
Loved Red Rock Canyon! I still haven’t been to NYC though, which is pitiful since I live on the East Coast. Nevertheless, I plan on going… one day… eventually…
😆 That’s exactly what I keep telling myself as well 😉
Umm, YES, you need to come to the East Coast! Boston is all kinds of wonderful and there’s plenty of “mountains” (read: hills, since you’re used to Banff) nearby. And it’s pretty. And the best city EVAH. ;).
Vegas is on my TDL!! 🙂 I love visiting new cities!
I haven’t been to Vegas yet – but the trip out of it to stand on the skywalk would be numero uno on my bucket list! WOW – the views are spectacular! Gosh! And Red rock canyon – bah – I have no words! WOW! Mesmerized and spellbound by the beauty of those – thanks for sharing those views Amanda!
And those gardens – they are around the Bellagio? Wow!
I think Vegas is going to be on my list of fav places to visit – almost came there this year, but plans changed – my other fav that I’ve been too and absolutely fell in love with and would love to revisit is San Diego.
Yes – You must make it to the East coast – why not a Atlanta – NYC trip? Specially seeing our subways are not as stinky as the NYC ones 😉
Technically, I have been to Vegas. A couple of years ago I flew from LAX to Seattle and had to change planes in Vegas. However, since I never left the airport, I hardly think that counts.
Domestically, Boston is at the top of my to-see list. I love history and Boston is rich in American history. Cities I have enjoyed include Vancouver, Portland, San Francisco, and New York. Prior to moving to California I though of LA as smoggy and superficial. While this is partly true there are also a lot of really cool areas to explore. The actual city of San Diego is less than stellar but its surrounding areas are awesome.
Forgot to put in a shameless plug for Seattle, my hometown!
I was just in Seattle about a month ago — buuuuuut I never left the airport so I guess that doesn’t count 😉 I did go about 10 years ago, though! And I’ve actually always wondered what it would be like to live in LA. I definitely have some of those assumptions about it, but everyone who lives there seems to adore it.
I loved Vegas! I could see how it’d be hard to find new stuff to do after four visits, but for my first time it was so overwhelming. The Bellagio fountains never got old!
I think next time I definitely want to go see the Grand Canyon. We stayed in Vegas the whole time, but next time I want to branch out!
This was actually the first time I ventured out of the city — usually I spend all my time in Vegas as well. It was just hard to find things to do since I had seen most of the shows (Cirque were always my fave!). But the first trip is definitely the most fun 🙂
I go to Vegas every year for work, but never get to actually do anything other than go to meetings so I’d love to go back some time for fun with a group of friends.
I love Vegas! However, I am with you, I’ve been several times and am getting ready for some new scenery and experiences. However, you can’t deny the beauty of the Grand Canyon or the water show.
I haven’t ever been to Vegas, but hopefully soon since J’s parents have a place there and want us to come! I love visiting Portland, is that dumb? I’m just in love with that city. I also really like Chicago. I want to visit Vancouver and Tokyo… and Marrakesh if we are talking cities!
We went to Vegas in May! That was my first time there and the trip felt really short, but it was a lot of fun to explore Vegas. We spent most of our time hiking in southern Utah – the rocks down there are absolutely stunning!
New York is an amazing city to visit! I also want to visit Yosemite – it is ridiculously beautiful there. I’m glad you had a good time! I would definitely want to venture out and do more than just the Vegas stuff. Mainly because just thinking about the “Vegas stuff” makes me tired.
Welcome back!! I’ve actually never been to Vegas and I’m dying to go. My boyfriend and I are actually thinking about going there this fall.
My favorite vacation spot is door county Wisconsin. Specifically camping in peninsula state park. Soooo beautiful and fun. My family goes there every year and our 2014 trip is coming up at the end of this month! Woot woot!!!
It’s been forever since I’ve been camping, but I used to love it! I might need to think about organizing a trip sometime this summer, but I’m not sure I could last more than 2 days without running water 😆 And I definitely recommend hitting up Vegas! I remember having an absolute blast the first time I went.
I was in vegas once and it feels like a lifetime ago! Actually it was about 10 years ago 🙂 Not sure what I’d be doing now if I went but pool and drinks sound like a good start!
My favourite thing to do in Vegas is…. Vegas? Hahaha. It depends who I’m with. I prefer to visit with a bunch of lady friends. Pool by day, club at night.
I’m also quite fond of their Whole Foods. It’s life changing. San Francisco is one of my favourite cities. I’m dying to visit NYC, too!