We're in Vegas!

The flight was uneventful - which is what I prefer on any flight. We left on time and arrived right on time; picked up our checked bags; got on a shuttle to the MGM Grand and checked in. One problem with the check in - we didn't get the room that we specifically requested. We researched the rooms available at the MGM Grand and really wanted a room in the West Wing. After reading review after review - I knew that I wanted to be in the West Wing and was told online - that it was available. When we checked in - we were told otherwise - or that a non-smoking room was not available on the West Wing. Misty - at the desk told us that the room we were getting was nicer because it was bigger - but that it only had a "regular" king bed. You see, the best feature of the West Wing rooms and what everyone raved about in the reviews were the deluxe king beds with the pillow tops. That is what I wanted and that is what we didn't get. I'm sure at this point we could request to move. So many guests are checking out today - it is Sunday after all and I'm sure we could move if we were so inclined. The thought of packing everything up again - doesn't sound appealing at all.

Anyway - that's all the complaining I'm going to do today. After checking into the very nice, clean room - we took off to find Cat. They're staying at the Monte Carlo - right across the boulevard from the MGM. We walked over to that hotel via New York-New York - which was really crowded and not very inviting. We met Cat and Dave at the Monte Carlo Brewery & Pub. They had a limited menu at that time (it was after 10pm) and we were starving - not having eaten anything since noon - and it was about 1am our time. So we ordered Nachos, Quesadillas, Hot Wings and Pepperoni Pizza - 3 glasses of wine and 3 beers between the four of us. It was all great.

We had high expectations of going out on the floor and gambling - but when we got out to the casino - I was about to die from exhaustion. We decided to all head back to our rooms; get some sleep and I was in serious need of some servicing too. All was great and we're looking forward to an eventful day today.

Going to Vegas!

After many flip-flops on the decision of whether we should or should not go to Vegas - we're going!

The timing just didn't seem right this year and finances are unsure for the coming year as well - so there was a lot of debate and issues regarding this trip to Vegas. But, a trip is a trip and the constant need to travel won over the lesser need to be practical and responsible.

Of course we tried to find the best deal using Hotels.com and Travelocity.com - but, unfortunately - all of the flights were at least one stop and paying a little more for a non-stop flight seemed preferable (did I mention that being practical wasn't the first choice for this trip). In general I've always had great experiences with both those services - but, time was a factor with this trip since we waited until the last minute to book the vacation.

We ended up going through Southwest Vacations.com - their flights are never part of the discount travel sites. They had a fabulous selection of non-stop flights to Vegas and although fairly limited for the dates we're traveling - we found a great hotel. We will be staying at the MGM Grand Hotel in the West Wing.

Needless to say - we're really excited about this trip. Since it all was planned so recently - we don't even have to wait long to go.

The reason for the trip - other than the 2nd annual business meeting that always takes place in Las Vegas - is to see Cat. We had the pleasure of being at her Vegas wedding last year in November - which was our first trip to Vegas ever - and coincidently - the first business meeting.

We'll be leaving Saturday, October 21st at 5:50 pm out of Philly International Airport and arriving at 8:25 pm in Las Vegas. Our return flight is at 4:45 pm on Tuesday the 24th and doesn't get into Philly until 12:45 am - the next day!

French Poutine

French Poutine
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

Poutine and Chicken Fingers for lunch. We tried the regional food while in Gananoque. We had seen it on the menu the night before at the Lansdowne Restaurant. Apparently, it is kind of like nachos or cheese fries here in the US. Fries with cheese curds and gravy. I was quite surprised, but seriously doubt that I will find any near us in PA.

The Golden Egg

The Golden Egg
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

Lizzie's Daughter pointed this egg out, so we stopped and took pictures. It is located along the road to Shawmere Cottages. Located along Red Horse Lake Ontario, Canada.

Red Horse Lake from Shawmere

Red Horse Lake from Shawmere
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

The view from Shawmere of Red Horse Lake Ontario, Canada. The weather for the weekend we were there was unbelieveable.

Shawmere on Red Horse Lake, Ontario

We did make it back from our unplugged weekend at Shawmere. It was a much needed restful weekend that included trips to Kingston and Gananaque, two nights of campfires, a bike ride, and card games. I also got some great pictures that will be posted on my flickr account when I have the opportunity.
Since coming back form Ontario, I have been spending way to much time working on the Pixelheadonline blog. We moved it from a subdomain folder to a subfolder off of the root url of http://pixelheadonline.com/blog/. This turned out to me much more work than we had anticipated. All in an effort to get the blog cached in google.
Anyway, the trip was very relaxing. A more detailed post will follow when time allows, along with pictures.

Red Horse Lake Ontario Canada

Going back to Red Horse Lake for a short weekend, actually leaving in under 10 minutes. Lizzie, her daughter and I are going. We had asked several other people, but they bagged on us. Oh well. It is suppose to be a great weekend up there, sunny and in the 60's- very fall like. Taking our bikes so hopefully we will be able to get some bike riding, canoing, hiking and maybe a camp fire. Looking forward to being unplugged.