Another Buffet Episode: Make A Guess Where!

Sequence-wise, I am supposed to talk about my short trip to San Francisco (September 2008) but I decided to skip that one. I flew there to attend the interview for my Schengen visa application at the French Consulate. A three-day solo trip. Yeah, it's very short. Just me myself wandering around aimlessly. I enjoyed the cable-car ride ($10 round-trip, what a rip) in the City That Waits to Die and did a little shopping at the Union Square. Oh, by the way, that's a name given to San Francisco in case you don't know yet, for it sitting between two earth faults. I adore the China Town too; it's known as the largest China Town in North America (the Vancouver BC one being the second). I stayed at a run-down place called Green Tortoise hostel, by the way. Same price as the one in Seattle: $35/night. Saw a big difference than the Seattle one in terms of sanitation though. Seattle, hands down; no comparison. Chose the stinking hostel in SF because it's only a couple of blocks from the Consulate, so I must say it was the convenience factor. Also I traveled without the picky hubby so I opted to stay on the cheap. Oh well, I got the visa and had a terrific time in the Europe after.

So, now what?? Las Vegas, Mate!

Some Italian garden

This one was not really planned much like any other trips. The husband saw a deal at bookit.com and just grabbed the damn thing. He said I needed (not sure if this is the right diction) to go to Vegas at least once in my life, as it is a city like no other. And the other night we talked about going back already. LOL. Traveling gets pretty addicting to us, and life without traveling wouldn't be the same. Here's the thing, We.., uhm doesn't sound right here, I mean I -cuz I don't wanna speak for anyone else really- love having things to look forward to. Makes me happy. I love plans in general, they make me more alive. For instance, outside the traveling thingy, I am looking forward to attending nursing school next year. Just got an acceptance letter from Clark College yesterday, by the way. So despite that I'm still waiting to hear from another uni it's relieving that I have a place somewhere already. To be honest, wasn't too surprised when reading the good news (don't get me wrong, am happy!). But if Clark nursing didn't accept a 4.0 student (it's actually 3.98 but I like to round it up just to make it sound better :D), I'd have no idea of the kinds that the program would take. Excuse me if you take it as a brag, I told you already this blog had a few bollocks I wouldn't say in person. But I need to keep things in perspective. Okay, you may take the liberty to hate me now. LOL.

Vegas oh Vegas. I loved being there. None of us gambles so it was not the intention of going there. It's mostly for the strolling around the strip and eating out. And enjoying the Red Rocks from distance -God willing we'll stay near next time. Couldn't think of anything more than that really. We sort of just took it easy and enjoyed the day while we're there. This wasn't typical, because whenever we're out somewhere we always try to visit as many local attractions as possible. Could care less this time. I think it's the thought that Vegas is a place we can always go back to that made us set the attitude, if not the warning from me to the hubby that I was just hoping for a relaxing weekend. Nuff said.

Man-made canal at Bellagio

The short stay in Vegas (12/9-12/12) fit us well, and we wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way. This would be a suggestion for you who are interested in checking out the casino strip on Las Vegas Blvd. Well, you can stay there up to a week without getting bored, but I doubt that. I mean, unless you gamble you'll find a one-week stay in Vegas pretty attractive. But not for the likes me me who don't.

This was taken at Wicked Spoon!

So, what to do there? Eat! Yes, I said eat! Make a pig out of yourself, Dude! Speaking of hit and miss, Wicked Spoon buffet at the Metropolitan had to be one of the hits. I am not sure if buffets are popular over where you live, but they are in the States and I do love them. Wicked Spoon brunch buffet wasn't cheap; it was $29/person, before tax and tip. Dinner's about $40/person after tax XD. I hate the price so much! But it's Vegas, Mate, so you can't complain! There are cheaper buffets at other casinos, ranging from $15-$20 but their reviews aren't that great. May as well spend a little more for something that's really worth it. Returning from Vegas, by the way, we now come to appreciate restaurants in Portland and the surrounding areas more. Prices here are heck a lot more reasonable, more down to earth. Oh I love down to earth -sounds good to my ears.

Lion King the musical

According to Glen, who's been to Vegas a few times, the place changed quite a lot. The old Vegas, where the main hang outs used to be at, has a lot more characters than the current strip I'd say. And I kinda liked it. It looked old, but for some strange reason I liked it. Look for Heart Attack Grill and it shall crack you up. Or at least put a smile (hmm, 'snicker' is perhaps a better way to put it) on your face. If it doesn't, there must be something wrong with you :D. However, you may find yourself biting your lips not finding the cool miniatures of world's famous structures -those mini Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Lady Liberty are pretty impressive, I know! But the old Vegas has that homey atmosphere that made me feel safe (not saying that the current strip made me feel threatened here). I start not making sense, don't I? and I wonder if it's a symptom of running out of things to say. :D

Las Vegas Blvd in the morning

Make a stop in Las Vegas if you get the chance to. Get a ticket for one of the musicals that play in town; we went for Lion King and totally loved it! If you're interested in a free water show that plays every half hour, hang out by the man-made canal at the Bellagio. It's quite something and what the heck it's free. There are a lot of bargains over the internet for hotels and flights to Vegas. Traveling on a budget is also quite feasible there. Upon getting my Starbucks mocha frappuccino at a 24-hr food court on Las Vegas Blvd, I stumbled into familiar stalls such as Wendy's, Subway, Sbarro, Panda Express, and many others. We also stopped in at a McDonalds one late evening just to eat fries and made use of  their free wifi. Lots of people in there, which surprised me a bit. Well, there's always a path for an alternate and it is up to us whatever choice we may end up with.

Feel free to drop some comments or whatever is in your head, Mate! :)