The Gypsy Caravan 2023

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Christimastime in Vegas

Well, blog buddies, I'm back on home turf again, after a week in Las Vegas with Rick. We go there for his trade show. Not my favorite place. I think everyone should see it once but unless you gamble, it gets old.


And big. Huge. Very tiring. Especially after being sick. Home never felt so good.


Still, there is much to find lovely, especially at the holiday time, so I thought I'd share a few pix of some of the most festive spots.


One of my first stops is always the conservatory at the Bellagio. They often reuse some of the elements (I have seen the penguins and bears before) but always move them around and do them in a wonderful, whimsical way.



Everything is done with flowers and organics. It takes 140 people to make this happen.



I particularly love their big tree. The "snow globe" was new this year and rather magical.


We quite love just looking at it, noticing the small details and the amazing use of plants and foliage. It is a bit overwhelming.

 

(And best of all, it's free! One of the best bargains in Las Vegas!)


Another hotel that does Christmas well is the Venetian.



Set like an Italian fortress of shops and canals, the Venetian always has a lovely tree outside.


They also offer free entertainment, which is a perfect time to sit down and give your feet a break!


Of course the shop windows are always something to gaze at -- I particularly loved the festive nature of this one!


And couldn't resist this shot!


Outside, you will find everything from people dressed in Star Wars, Michael Jackson or Elvis costumes to some more seasonally attired. I love the contrast in views here -- in the first, the girls look like they are having a very bad day. But when the gentlemen pass with their "donations," there are smiles all around!



Ah, Vegas. I can't say that I like having my senses continually assaulted or working the trade show floor with Rick.


But I have to admire the panache to make the fantasy seem real. For a minute, you are in Venice, in a garden, in a crazy world. And when you're not too pooped to participate, I admit -- it's kind of fun!

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15 comments:

  1. Great photos - and, for us, with none of the hustle and bustle you had to go through to get them. At least you're home for Christmas.

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  2. Last time we drove through Las Vegas we found it just distressing. All that artificially lit indoor space -- it was like being in an airport! But if you are there to work, not much can be done about it, they really have expo space! I'm glad you could enjoy the decorations a little, but I really empathize with your fundamental reaction.

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  3. Love seeing this and your great photos as always, but I think it's a little too much stimulation for me. :) Unless I won big. Then I think I could take it. :)

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  4. Your photos and your smiles are delightful !
    There are some amazing decorations going on there ~ thanks for sharing them.

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  5. Hubby and I will be staying at the Bellagio in Vegas next May. Daughter Lisa will be graduating with a degree in physical therapy. This will be our 2nd trip to Vegas. Loved your photos.

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  6. Unlike most of those who have commented I enjoy time in Vegas....in small doses. It would be a tough place to be when you are not feeling well. There are for sure lots of sights to see and you have shown us some very pretty ones.

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  7. I'd like to visit it - once - but I think I'd find it really, really depressing after a couple of days. I hope you are feeling better now. Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

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  8. Oh Jeanie, good morning!

    I have never been to Vegas, and I don't gamble, so I have never wanted to go there. Too big, too colorful and wild for me. Give me a hike in the woods, a walk on the beach or subtle Paris. OH YES, take me now.

    I hope you are better? Enjoy the warmth of home my friend. Anita

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  9. Fun pictures! I love seeing all the decorations! The picture of the Bellagio tree sort of reminds me of the one i saw in Paris at that big department store (blanking on the name, I haven't had my coffee yet - ha)! I am glad you are back home and can rest and recuperate further. Vegas does seem exhausting me, and particularly so when you are already recovering from a bad bug!

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  10. Favourite photo is the well dressed cats. Glad to hear you are feeling better too.
    Heather :)

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  11. As usual, I loved being taken on your trip thru your wonderful and delightful comments and pictures. I think the picture of you and Rick at the end is the best in a long time. I hope that this did not set back your recovery and that the two of you have a wonderful Christmas. Love to you both.

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  12. Yes, I'm sure Christmas in Vegas must be quite something... your pics tell all. I suppose you'll need some time to recuperate too from all the glam and buzz and happy to be home. Glad you're back to your blog home since I can see all the pics and hear your stories. Thanks for sharing the excitement that's Vegas.

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  13. I love the photo of you and Rick at the end. And every time you post photos of Vegas, I'm confirmed in my conviction that going there would be akin to moving into Dante's tenth circle of hell. Just me. :-)

    I'm glad you're home safely, and can decompress a little now, while you enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

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  14. I have never been to Vegas... your photos are beautiful! I especially love the one with the cats *wink*
    big hugs,
    Cheryl

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  15. What a fabulous and colorful time you had!
    That Chihuly glass ceiling really caught my eye. We got to see some of his pieces in Denver at the Botanic Gardens just before Thanksgiving.
    Thank you for sharing your photos as I have never been to Vegas.
    oxo

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