Here I Am in Vegas

Truly. What a crazy day. Last night we arrived right on time and went to bed at about, well, what amounted to 4am Chicago time (we had been up since 4am Friday morning--more on that later). Gambling and eating and exploring our hotel; Ceasar's Palace. It's a pretty amazing place, extravagant, but elegant. I expected something a bit more gaudy, but our room is quite modern and spectacular (21st floor overlooking the 4 pools). We checked into the hotel before we left the airport (a nice convenience), and found out that they had booked us in a smoking room in the newest tower (overlooking Bellagio's awesome fountains). Well, we wouldn't have that, so they put us in an older tower (recently renovated, amazing!) and even upgraded us to a suite. All for free! Well, it was free to begin with, but now we have a free suite to boot. Today we ventured out in the 102 degree weather (in the shade), and tried out our luck at other hotel casinos and went on a scavenger hunt (it felt like we were in the Amazing Race), to collect stamps for free food money (a total of 60 bucks gathered between us) and to have our player's club card swiped for a chance at free money and prizes (we won nothing on the swipes). We also ascended via elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower; or Vegas's version of it. It's about half the size of the original, but still quite stunning and what a view. We will shortly be ending our day with Celine Dion and her Vegas extravaganza. Following that, we will be meeting up w/ an old chum from my high school days; oh so long ago, for dinner and drinks. Then, most likely a bit more gambling. I'm pooped, but ready for more fun tomorrow. The highlight of the day (not really) was breakfast at Denny's; with a casino attached...of course. Welcome to Vegas, I guess.