From our room on the 10th floor, we can see the pool!
Shortly after posting, we had to scratch the itch to hit the Strip even for a little while. I did “risk” life and limb to get to Las Vegas via flying, I deserved some action in addition to the steak for lunch.
Somara had been researching the pros and cons of Tahiti Village (now dubbed TV) online before getting here (something I feel is usually skewed in the negative because the mythical Internet Community excels at griping). We wanted to investigate, experience and judge for ourselves. The common complaint was the shuttle bus schedule. It only runs on half-hour intervals between 9 AM to 11 PM weekdays. Being a vet, I think 11 PM is too soon; the parties and clubs are really cookin’ by then, same goes with gambling, I refuse to call it gaming. Needless to say, TV’s shuttle is no different than any other I’ve seen or used. We just happened to be on the left side of the age curve if these people are the majority of TV’s residents.
We kicked off with opening poker tournament at Treasure Island, hence the earlier post’s amendment.
I also brought $250 worth of MGM-Chase vouchers with me to test out. I have an MGM-Chase Visa card. I signed up for it on the 2005 vacation thinking it would cover a cool room on my big 4-0. This was ditched after we bought our spot in TV a year later. Many people were skeptical on the practicality of this. Well those pooh-poohers are wrong. We used one cover a big chunk of dinner at CPK in the Mirage, there was no problem. Food will not be the primary expense maker on this vacation!
After eating, we moved on the Caesar’s Palace to use the restroom and decided to take in the new Apple Store (LV’s third and they’re all within 10 miles of each other). Pretty stupid since we have our own in Austin anyway but Vegas had those darned anti-glare screen protectors the Domain never seems to have. Somara installed mine. My iPhone looks way better sans fingerprints and flop sweat. I later remembered the sports memorabilia place. When I dropped by Pete Rose was obviously scheduled to do autographs but so are Steve Garvey AND Johnny Bench. How I wish I had a can of Krylon spray paint!
Jet lag began taking its toll. We hoofed it back to TI for the second-to-last shuttle bus. Back at our room, I read over MGM’s NHL odds sheet for the 2009 Stanley Cup. Traditionally, I always bet with the Venetian because they were the most helpful when I started doing this in 2003. Currently the MGM resorts say the Red Wings are 4-1 on a repeat despite Scotty Bowman going to advise Chicago and having an overpaid Hossa. My Flyers are 15-1?!?! I think the bookies knew GM Holmgren would unwisely choose Richards as the new captain over Timonen (announced Friday morning in the Philly paper). Somara’s Coyotes remain a ridiculous longshot at 75-1, not as awful as the Blue Jackets, Thrashers or Islanders with 80-1. Sharks look favorable, 8-1, which should bring a smile to JR’s face. Here’s the complete mystery I probably won’t receive a sane answer over. MGM promoted the Blackhawks from 25-1 to 6-1 in three months! Bowman is a winning coach, not a miracle worker, especially when it comes to the Wirtz family.
Wish you were here!