THE COSMOPOLITAN OPENS Day 3 of our fun trip

[marie meijer]

En route to the 8:00 PM opening of the latest Vegas casino were eight colorful characters posing for photos with tourists outside Planet Hollywood. FOUR parrots, Santa and Mrs Claus in the most elaborate and appropriate costumes and ringers for Michael Jackson and Johnny Depp the pirate.
A mob carrying professional picket signs was next to the Cosmopolitan protesting any new condos in Vegas.
Outside the casino the multitudes would not move, all trying to see the latest casino at once. Once inside the walking resumed a normal pace.
We had attended the opening of Orleans in 1996 and vowed never to attend another casino opening. Then, beads and "gold" and "silver" dubloons (coins) were handed out and fireworks lit the sky. None of that was evident, no balloons, no confetti, no plastic freebies. 
Magnificent and elegant describes this casino. NO wait, that describes the business suits and little black dresses, many with glitter, and spike heels worn by many attending the opening.
There is a gigantic display of sparkling crystal strands suspended from the multi floor ceiling, many in circular pattern. I figured only something with wings could have installed them. They were way too large for a normal home. I know for a fact that no one would dust them at our home and our pet spiders would have a field day.
I could not change game or denom of the first VP machine I tried to play at the back of the casino, nor could others who tried later. I vetoed playing DW because of the 100 payout for the wild royal.I played for hours on single line DDB, 9/5, acutely aware that I would not find another empty VP machine that night! I almost jumped out of my skin when the world's loudest band began playing behind me. I walked out ahead for the evening.
There are 14 restaurants at The Cosmopoitan and the TV channels were full of news of this casino.

[AZ Barb]

Wow, thanks for the great report Marie. It sounds like we should walk through it, just for the experience! Hope the rest of your trip is profitable!

[marie meijer]

Thanks, Barb.
Somewhere else I had reported a progressive royal and actually three sets of deuces on DWB at Bill's on day 1. Day 2 brought awak on TDB at Red Rock as well as ten quads. Beware over-confidence by early wins!
No good news to report on day four at Silverton, Palms and Bills. I should have spent my time watching the two story aquarium at Silverton. First time there and I liked the machines and decor. It seemed sparcely populated compared to the full house at Cosmopolitan the night before.
Day 5: Atom Testing Museum, 755 E Flamingo, past Ellis Island and  beyond Tuscany, proved interesting to all three of us. It is affiliated with
the Smithsonian, well done and includes brief videos.
Husband, son and I drove on to Hoover Dam and enjoyed the half hour Power Plant guided tour, observation deck, and self guided tour. It has been seventy-five years since this dam was completed two years ahead of schedule and under budget! It was a joint venture of seven construction companies. We also drove over the amazing new bridge. As someone reported earlier, the guard rails obstruct viewing.
We are at McCarran airport and the alarm has finally quit. Our red eye flight has been delayed twice. On the up side, our son just found us and is heading back to VA later on another flight.
It's been a great week and we are ready to face the snow belt.
 

[faygo]

marie, looks like you will be home in time to see this.
 
http://www.freep.com/article/20101216/E ... r-business

[marie meijer]

faygo, Thanks for the link that made me hungry. The Royal Park, upscale Rochester hotel, has a sensational walk in edible gingerbread house in it's front lobby that is constantly being photographed with little people. FYI: It is really none of my business and I could care less, but perhaps you should keep a closer eye on Tanqueray. That chick really gets around! Her name was seen all over Vegas in stand up signs on top of the YELLOW CABS!!!

[marie meijer]

I am happy to report that nothing bad happened at the airport, in either direction other than removing jewelry at each airport. "Keep your rings on."However, to enter the building tour area at Hoover Dam, one must pass through a door jamb type scanner. So my nylon passport holder on a neck cord with two small zippers, worn under sweater for bank roll, set off the scanner. Next came the wand scan and I was asked if I had any knee or hip replacements! "I hope not, not that I remember!" (What's the first thing to go?)Next was the photo shoot. "Get over here and get your dam picture taken!" was the first of way too many dam jokes we were to hear during the tour. Actually, we loved the picture of the three of us, with our choice of dam backgrounds: Night, sunny day, flag or rainbow. You can purchase the large pictures at the end of the tour. There was also one individual manning a vehicle check stop to enter the dam area. We were quickly waved on through but it reminded me of the border check stops. Security measures are fine with us and for our own good!

[BOOPSAHOY]

Thanks for the great report Marie!

[faygo]

faygo, Thanks for the link that made me hungry. The Royal Park, upscale Rochester hotel, has a sensational walk in edible gingerbread house in it's front lobby that is constantly being photographed with little people.
 FYI: It is really none of my business and I could care less, but perhaps you should keep a closer eye on Tanqueray. That chick really gets around! Her name was seen all over Vegas in stand up signs on top of the YELLOW CABS!!!

 
If it works in Vegas , she is thinking of going global.