The Odd and the Beautiful
From the sublime…
Vegas is sort of like the Bizzarro Disneyland. This is where subtlety comes to die. Still, there’s some absolutely grand, overripe beauty everywhere you look (and I’m not talking about the women with melon boobs and trout pout). Everything, whether good or bad is overdone, fantastical.
One of my favorite places to visit is the conservatory at the Bellagio. They totally redecorate it every season, and right now it’s set up to celebrate the Chinese New Year (February 14, Year of the Tiger). The display is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Topiary pandas.
At the new Crystals/City Center complex, very few shops are open and some bits are still under construction. From the outside, it’s a very futuristic scape.
The Henry Moore sculpture fits right in.
Diver hand feeding a manta ray in the giant aquarium at Caesar’s. to the surreal…
Our first night, we were enjoying a late dinner at the Daniel Boulud Brasserie, which overlooks the waterfall area at the Wynn. Periodically there are various light shows that feature very Vegas-y imagery against the waterfall wall and on the water. I looked up at one point, and a giant animatronic frog had appeared at the top of the wall. The music switched over to “Low Rider” by War, and the frog commenced to sing to the music, roll his eyes and rock back and forth with the beat. Very fun and whimsical, and I’m sorry I didn’t check my snap at the time or I would’ve noticed his big rolly eyes were closed, apparently caught mid-blink.
Our first night, we were enjoying a late dinner at the Daniel Boulud Brasserie, which overlooks the waterfall area at the Wynn. Periodically there are various light shows that feature very Vegas-y imagery against the waterfall wall and on the water. I looked up at one point, and a giant animatronic frog had appeared at the top of the wall. The music switched over to “Low Rider” by War, and the frog commenced to sing to the music, roll his eyes and rock back and forth with the beat. Very fun and whimsical, and I’m sorry I didn’t check my snap at the time or I would’ve noticed his big rolly eyes were closed, apparently caught mid-blink.Below, from the Crysals mall, this is some sort of lounge area. I’m not sure if they intentionally designed it to look like a giant blowdryer.
Most of the slot machines have some sort of theme. Above was one of the odder ones.
I almost got a shot of Mr. Silver Man smoking a cigarette and drinking a 7-Up, but as soon as he saw me fumbling for my camera, he got back in character. Yes, I gave him a tip.
Best. Signage. Ever.
Most of the slot machines have some sort of theme. Above was one of the odder ones.
I almost got a shot of Mr. Silver Man smoking a cigarette and drinking a 7-Up, but as soon as he saw me fumbling for my camera, he got back in character. Yes, I gave him a tip.
Best. Signage. Ever.~
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Topiary pandas? Yes, clearly, I’ve got to go to Vegas:).
Ooooh!!! I want to go! I’ve only been to LA and New York in America, I’d love to channel the Rat Pack and see Vegas with my Very Own Peepers. Is the food cheap or ‘spensive? I found food and clothes ridiculously cheap in America compared to Australia where everything is super expensive.
Ha, my husband works on slot machines, ad it always blows my mind to see the strange things they come up with. Also, I am jealous that you got to see the glass art at the Bellagio, I have always wanted to see that stuff! Are you going to any shows?
This is the way I like to visit Vegas–from AFAR. Thanks for the pics and I hope you’re having a blast.
Great pics! Last time I was in Vegas, the live white tigers on display at the Mirage were, well, a bit randy, to say the least. Looks like a lot has changed since the early nineties.
Mr. Silver Man has eyes in back of his head! He’s not going to miss a tip!
Wow, what neat pictures! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us, I so miss you when you are gone 🙂
Yes, Las Vegas is amazing even for a non gambler like me.
Great photos.
I have never wanted to go to Vegas, but seen through your eyes . . .
I haven’t been to Vegas in about 6 years, but you’re right about the surreality of it. I’ve always loved the Aladdin shopping mall with its faux weather. Is the Aladdin still standing? Vegas erases and rebuilds itself so quickly it would probably be unrecognizable to me.
I read an article about the Crystal Mall and, in these economic times, the excess of it all made me angry.
But I do love that dumpling poster!
To paraphrase:
“All your pork buns are belong to us!”
Oh Vegas, you’re so cheesy and yet so enticing at the same time. I’m now longing to sip a cocktail at the Ghost Bar, and make a drunken late night stop at the Double Down…
We were planning on going to Austin for our winter getaway, but now I’m thinking Vegas instead!
Thank you for the tour! This is the way I want to see Vegas, pictures and tales. Too much going on for a small town girl ( woman ) like me.
Vegas is so deeply not me (my brother has a vacation home there) and, like visiting another planet, makes an interesting expedition. I can completely see how people adore it- Disney for adults.