Feeling the Heat in Vegas

This was taken at the rooftop (8th floor) of the parking garage for the hotel. David rented a car.

It was close to midnight when we arrived at the Mirage. As we descended the escalator, coming from the parking building, to walk past the lobby, the deafening beat of dance music greeted us. We were astounded by the number of young men and women falling in line, waiting for their turn to get into the nightclub.

The spectacular waterfalls.

So, our curiosity notwithstanding David, my sponsor, and I stood in a corner and watched the people squeezed on a file. An elderly couple stood nearby. I heard the woman say, “I cannot believe there’s a long line to get in to this club at this hour.”

“What kind of dresses do these girls wear?” was the reply.

“There must be a convention going on,” the old lady cannot contain her curiosity.

“Yeah, a convention of whores,” the old man said.

Okay, there was no need for the old folks to feel sorry for the kids. Afterall, Vegas’s sweltering heat was inevitable. The temperature rose to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. It was just understandable that

This was actually taken early in the morning. By 9 a.m. the pool was packed you'll not find a spot.

the girls should wear dresses that will make Tim Gunn scream. But the fashion guru will understand that if you just had a boob-job and hair removal done there is a certain guide to style. If you paid for it, flaunt it (taking a cue from Dr. 90210).

One of the marvels of the Mirage pool.

It was a Saturday, the fourth day of our 8-day vacation in Vegas when we witnessed the scene. We just got back from watching “Mamma Mia,” a musical based on the ABBA’s song, at the Mandalay Bay; purchasing the ticket at a sale price at the Fashion Show mall. We’ve spent hours of “deliberation” that day on what to do. It proved to be worthy endeavor even if we swerved through the streets going to the hotel. David hates driving at nighttime.

The next day, we learned in the news that Leonardo DiCaprio was at the hotel’s BARE pool a day before while we were at the common pool. Leo was also at the same nightclub I mentioned earlier that night. No wonder the girls were wearing their “finest” clothes. Also, Helen Mirren was at a restaurant in Caesar’s Palace, just a walk away from our hotel. We were planning that day to visit Caesar’s but abandoned the idea, opting to spend time in the pool, to cool off as the Vegas’s desert heat was its highest. I am not crazy about these stars but it would have been nice to see how they look like in person. In Altanta, Georgia, while going to our terminal we saw Fantasia Barrino being guided into a private passage by an airport staff. We did not dare shout for her name as we were afraid of her bodyguard.

On Friday, we visited Hoover Dam and explored this engineering

Families and couples enjoy the cool water.

marvel without getting dizzy of its height (though I have to calm down David who is afraid of heights). As we were just between the boundary of Nevada and Arizona, I took the opportunity to step on the Arizona soil. You know, to brag to everyone that I’ve been to Arizona even just for 15 minutes. Later that night we went to see Lance Burton’s magic show at the MonteCarlo Hotel.

Knowing David is not someone who’d stay at one place, we drove to Ethel’s Chocolate Factory the day we arrived in Vegas. As usual we lost our way. We only realized it as we saw vast area of desert land and not a soul in sight. With my incompetence with the map, David used his common tactic - ask for directions from the first person he sees. It turned out that we were heading in the opposite direction. We breathed deeply after finding the factory, where M&M’s and other popular chocolates were being made. After downing a big bowl of chocolate ice cream at the visitor’s lounge and gift shop, we visited their marvelous cacti garden.

Although The Mirage is as busy as an anthill, its 24-hour casino in the lobby was none of our interest. I’ve never seen so busy a hotel in all my life. Well, except for the hotel and casino in Montreal, Canada. We busied ourselves watching shows and going to sites. At the Treasure Island we watched Mystere. It was probably the most spectacular show I’ve ever seen. The Cirque du Soliel performers were outstanding. Then there’s Madame Tusaud’s at The Venetian Hotel were I got to meet Hollywood stars; getting the chance to talk with Oprah and Larry King. We also took the time to visit old Vegas, where most of the old time movies were shot, and ate at the Four Queens Hotel. Food-hunt was an indulgence as we prefer buffets. Before heading for home we visited the Red Rock Mountain. It was the most marvelous stone formations in Vegas.

There’s no place like Vegas. The sweltering heat is only matched by the glitter and glamour of the casinos and hotels. But what I know is, as I heard a man say, “Vegas is no place to raise a family.” It maybe the place to retire or do business but never would it appeal as a family-oriented place.

(published in Sun.Star Bacolod, Sept. 25, 2007)