Mandalay Bay!! Las Vegas, NV May 25-27, 2009

Yeah, I've been to Las Vegas a few times - I have family there - but this time was different.   I got to stay at the Mandalay Bay hotel!     It was pretty cool because it's a GORGEOUS hotel and I got a really good rate for 2 nights plus tickets to the Lion King Show.

My room at the Mandalay Bay was great.   I had a great view of the Las Vegas Strip.

The view was even better at night!

I spent a couple of hours out at the "Lazy River" in a raft, just floating around.   It was a blast, but you've got to watch out for those waterfalls!

I went out for dinner before the Lion King show to Mix, a bar/restaurant at the top of the hotel.   The restaurant is really cool - all white, with just red water glasses on the table.   And there's a curtain of glass bubbles that goes around the center of the room.

Naturally, I had to have my picture taken by the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign - it's a lot easier to get there now - they've built a parking lot right in front of it - so you don't have to run across 4 lanes of traffic anymore!

I headed over to the Bellagio to see the Conservatory, which is always gorgeous

And I had to check out the water show out front:

The water show was set to the song "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood in honor of Memorial Day weekend.   Very cool.    And I want to take this moment to say Thank You to all our troops who have stood up and defended our freedom.    You guys are awesome.    And your families too - who go through a lot of tough times while you are away.

Thank you for all you do.

Later that evening, I headed over to Firefly, a Tapas restaurant on Paradise for some of the best Tapas I've ever had.    I ordered a pitcher of white wine sangria (YUM!) which they make in the restaurant.   And of course, had to have the gazpacho, which is the best I've had anywhere.

I finished off the meal with the Chorizo Clams - wow!  I wouldn't have thought those 2 things would go so well together, but yum yum yum!
After dinner, I headed over to the Foundation Room - you know, the exclusive Members Only club at the Mandalay Bay.   Yeah, I have contacts......   (Thanks Danny!)

Important note:   On Tuesday nights, they close around 11 PM.     I only barely just made it up for one drink.  Who knew Vegas closes early these days??    Maybe it's turning middle-aged.....

Oh, and check out who I ran into at the Venetian!