Vegas, Baby. Vegas!

by earthriderjudyberman In Entertainment, Travel 37 Comments

Blue Man Group 5 - Las Vegas - 6-7-14

By Judy Berman

Just mention you’re headed to Vegas, and immediately you get those knowing looks.

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” the stewardess jokes slyly as we board our flight out of Orlando.

“That’s what we’re counting on,” I respond with a smile.

We hardly fit the image of the characters in the 1996 movie, Swingers, who take a road trip to Sin City. Their mantra: “Vegas, Baby. Vegas!”

Nah, the gaming tables and one-armed bandits hold no appeal for us.

It’s the entertainment and off-The-Strip action we crave.

Mt. Charleston Lodge - June 2014 (5)

OK, we’re here to visit my brother, too. Hank waves front-row tickets he bought for all three of us to see the Blue Man Group at the Monte Carlo. Score!

When we arrive, I’m nervous. Our seats hold a plastic, hooded, full-length cape that we’re expected to wear to avoid flying water, cake batter and other unexpected assaults.

During the concert, one Blue Man steps onto the armrest next to me and proceeds to hunt down his next victim/volunteer to pull up on stage.

Their skits are interactive, humorous and spot-on ribs at our culture.

It’s a “thrilling, energy-infused performance that introduces wildly inventive musical instruments, a humorous look at robots and creativity, and a mind-blowing (literally) tour inside the neural network of the human brain,” according to its website http://www.blueman.com/las-vegas/about-show

Mind-blowing? How about an Elvis sighting? No visit to Vegas would be complete without that.

Vegas - Madame Tussauds - June 2014 (13) - Elvis and Judy Berman

Not only did we see him at Madame Tussauds, but Elvis offered me a ride in his car.

What a guy! Hanging out with the strong, silent type is right up my alley.

Vegas - Madame Tussauds - June 2014 (15) - Marilyn Monroe and Dave Berman

Dave lucked out, too. He bumped into Marilyn Monroe. What a doll!

Before we left the wax museum, we saw the 10-minute film, Marvel’s Super Heroes 4D.

The audience really is in on the action. Again, watch out for liquid spray from the screen, things that go bump in the dark and unknown things that race by your chair.

Squeamish yet?

Vegas - Madame Tussauds - June 2014 (21) - Hulk

OK. Your heart’s pounding, but there’s no need to call for paramedics.

Forget Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay or Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden at the Mirage. You need something far more soothing than a voracious shark or a white tiger eyeballing you.

Head on over to Bellagio’s Casino. There you can enjoy the water works and the action from afar. The Fountains at Bellagio – there are more than a thousand of them in front of the hotel.

Vegas - Fountains at Bellagio - 2014 (9)

Depending on the time of day, you can be mesmerized by the dancing waters every 15 to 30 minutes. Light show and music are thrown in for free.

Then, it’s back to the Vegas’ best attraction: people-watching. It’s the best show in town.

And, if you’re feeling really lucky, scope out the casinos. As they said about confidence in Swingers: “You’re so money and you don’t even know it.”

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Judy Berman and earthrider, 2011-15. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to (Judy Berman) and (earthrider, earth-rider.com, or earthriderdotcom) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Video Clip: “Swingers” (1996) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlCprJPwBSI 

Main Photo: Blue Man Group performing at Monte Carlo Casino, Las Vegas, taken by Judy Berman, June 7, 2014.

Photo: My brother, Joseph H. Fiet IV, and me at Mt. Charleston – about 50 miles outside of Las Vegas

Las Vegas photos taken June 7 and 8, 2014 by Judy and Dave Berman:

* Elvis Presley and Judy Berman. Madame Tussauds wax museum.

* Marilyn Monroe and Dave Berman. Madame Tussauds.

* The Hulk at Madame Tussauds.

* The Fountains at Bellagio Casino.

 

  1. Such an ‘open marriage’ you two have…allowing each other to cavort with Elvis and Marilyn! 😉
    And you’re my inspiration, Judy, finding hooded, full-length capes you’re expected to wear to avoid flying water, cake batter and other unexpected assaults…and staying for the fun!
    What a grand adventure!

    1. Golly, Marilyn. We’re not “Swingers.” I swear! But, I have to say that Elvis and Marilyn are much quieter than I anticipated. 😉

      We have had prior experience to full-length capes at one of Gallagher’s performances (not in Vegas) … and we also survived Carrot Top (years ago in Vegas). 😉 We did have a great time.

      1. You two are so funny!!!

        I loved the virtual tour, Judy. Thanks for the vicarious great time! I can’t imagine ever going to Vegas, but if I do, I’ll know to hang out by the fountain. I love water shows.

        I’m glad you had a wonderful time.

        comment from earthrider to Tracy Lee Karner:
        I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. We go to Vegas to see my folks. Now, it’s only my brother. We did have a great time and am glad he was able to spend so much time with us.

        The Fountains are beautiful. Very calming. 😉

  3. Beautiful people, you three, Judy. And I’m not talking about Elvis and Marilyn. You, Dave and your bro all look great. It looks like a fine time in Vegas to me, my friend. And I love the Blue Man Group. I’m not sure if he was at the show you saw, but for a long time, the drummer for the Vegas club show was Jeff Tortora, a Syracuse native.

  4. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip, I would absolutely love to see Vegas. I would love the shows so much. Too many ongoing health issues to go, but your awesome photos made me feel like I was right there with you. Thanks for being a great tour guide!

    1. This is the first time in a long time that we’ve taken in a show on The Strip. It was really worth it. Hope you get a chance to see the action up close and personal. Glad you having me as a tour guide. 😉

  6. Your vacation shots run the gamut, Judy. You’re not getting older, you’re get bolder.

    The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce would approve of the whole shebang! By the way, I shot you an email a little while ago you may want to check out.

    1. Thanks, Marian. We did do a few things this trip that we rarely do: take in a performance. It was well worth our time. So glad we went.

      I will be checking our your e-mail. Thank you for thinking of me. 😉

    1. A wise decision, Lisa … on keeping a safe distance. We’d never been to a Blue Man Group performance before and did not realize what sitting in the front row was all about. Still, it was a blast!. They’re here in Orlando, too, but I haven’t seen them there. 😉

  10. We go to Vegas at least once a year on business, it being such a trade show hub. I love it for the sheer, over-the-topness of just about everything from the fountains to the Chihuly glass exhibits to the excellent restaurants. We’ve found some great little off-the-beaten track places there for Thai and Indian food. The last time we were there, our hotel was hosting a huge convention of single gay men which made for great entertainment poolside. Only in Vegas, baby.

    1. Vegas is an annual trek for us as well, but it’s to visit my brother. My folks lived here, too.

      Barbara, we’ve also found some excellent restaurants that are off the strip. There is a Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant, Paymons, that is just wonderful. There is so much to choose from. Yes, people watching is a never-ending party in Vegas. 😉

  11. I come by way of Marian Beaman’s blog and I’m glad I did. After all, I got a virtual tour of Vegas (minus flying water, cake batter, and squirting screens).

    I enjoyed your observation: “Then, it’s back to the Vegas’ best attraction: people-watching. It’s the best show in town.”

    Having been there on numerous occasions, I know this to be oh-so-true!

    1. Glad you enjoyed my virtual tour, Laurie … minus the projectiles flung from the stage and screen. 😉

      I discovered that people watching is in my genes when we went to Paris. They have cafe tables on the sidewalk and the sole purpose – other than the tasty treats – appears to be ogling passers-by. So, as you said, it’s a natural sport, especially in Vegas. 😉

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  12. Oh! Now I want to go to Vegas again. Bill and I love all the action too. Saw the Blue Man Group some years ago and have never forgotten it. I almost had a panic attack under all those streamers! What fun. We loved staying at the Paris and we love oggling people too.

    1. I’ve visited the Paris, but we stay at Circus Circus. It’s also a nice place to stay at and the perfect escape to the back route to my brother’s house. 😉

      Thanks for writing, Doran. I know what you mean about all those streamers. They also had giant balloons. Great fun to bounce back and forth to those in the audience. (FYI …. You had two posts – both the same. I took the latest one – this one.)

    1. Traci … If it’s something soothing you’re looking for, Bellagio’s also has a beautiful conservancy – giant displays made out of flowers and an art exhibit – small, but tasteful. 😉

    1. We went off the beaten path, too. Mt. Charleston, where the photo was taken of my brother and I, is beautiful. We also went to Hoover Dam. Enjoy your trip to Nevada, Amy.

  15. I enjoyed this post immensely! I feel like I got to ‘tag along’ and I would so like to go to Vegas! My cousin, Heather is a teacher there, so would have a place to stay. Someday, soon… Judy! Glad you enjoyed almost all they had to offer in entertainment! You look great all 3 of you and also, Marilyn and Elvis, do too! The Hulk looks enormous and the shows sound great… Smiles, Robin

    1. By all means, Robin, do visit Vegas. There is so much to see and do. It’s an annual vacation for us as we visit my brother there. Believe me, Marilyn and Elvis were among the highlights of our vacation. 😉 Hulk, originally was scary, but turned out to be a very comforting presence.Thank you for your compliments (we all appreciate it. 😉 )

    1. We’re back, Charles, and we did have a great time. Bellagio’s has several attractions we enjoy: The Fountains, The Conservancy (where the flowers create a display), and the Art Exhibit. We love the food in Vegas, too, but we often go to restaurants that are off The Strip. (One exception: Circus Circus’ Steak House is great.)

  17. What a lot of fun! And what a great way to catch up with a sibling 😀 Vegas has never been high on my list of places to see. You make it sound rather appealing.

    1. Madhu … It was great visiting with my brother. I he didn’t live in Vegas (and my parents hadn’t lived there), it would never be a destination place – especially in the summer when it gets very hot. But there is a lot to see and do there. Glad you enjoyed the trip. 😉

  18. What an fantastic trip to Vegas Judy, and how cool to be sitting next to Elvis – he’s keeping well for his age, and Marilyn too!! 😉 I love those blue men, it’s a strange concept for a show, but it really works, they are so entertaining ,and their shows so colourful too! 🙂 I’ve never seen them live, not sure if they come to England, but we have a good theatre where I am, attracts a lot of touring shows, so I’ll keep an eye out for them. And if I do get to go, I’ll wear a rain coat and sit at the back – thanks for the warning!! 😀

    1. Suzy, if you sit in the back of a Blue Man show, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the liquid and non-liquid elements flying into your lap. 😆 It was very entertaining, and … yes, colorful!

      I was amazed how well Elvis and Marilyn have held up over the years. The miracles of modern medicine. 😉

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