I can't even explain how excited I was right then! And the anticipation for me is almost as exciting as the actual event!!
So, plans began; flights & hotel were booked; spa appointments were made; shows were chosen & tickets reserved.
June 29th I was up at 5:00 am & by 6:30 I had picked up Viv & we were on our way to Bellingham airport. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 9:25, and even with a stop at Woods for coffees, we were there in plenty of time.
We easily went through the check in & then through security. We happily made our way to the "holding room" were we saw our plane already waiting for us. It had BLUE MAN GROUP painted on it - what fun!!!
Shortly before boarding time, we were told that there was a mechanical problem with the plane, and that we would be delayed in leaving. They would give us more information in 1/2 hour. Okay, we can deal with that - we want to make sure the plane will make it safely!
About an hour later, we were told that the part had not yet arrived - we would be updated in about 1/2 hour. OKAY - we can deal with that - we're going to Vegas after all, what's a little more delay!
At about 11:00 am, they tell us that they're going to order pizza for everyone - it should be there in about an hour. WHAT!?! Now we're starting to get annoyed - okay - we were already annoyed, but this isn't funny anymore.
About 1/2 hour later, they tell us that they have ordered a rescue plane to take us to Vegas, since they can't seem to fix our plane.
Our new scheduled time of departure is 4:00 pm.
WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!
The room explodes with frustration - pizza is not going to pacify this crowd.
But wait, they are also going to give us each a $25.00 voucher.
To be used on our next flight with Allegiant.
Except nobody wants to EVER fly with Allegiant EVER again!
We are told that if we wish to leave the airport, we should be back by 3:00pm.
Viv & I look at each other with the same thought - Bellis Fair!!!
We relinquish our offer of free pizza in a stinky airport holding cell & happily make our way to the mall -
when life gives us lemons - we make lemonade
We eventually did arrive at our destination - 7 hours later than planned & hungry because in addition to not flying on schedule, Allegiant only has about three of the things on their food list available & a kid's snack pack only goes so far. But enough about Allegiant - okay, maybe just one more thing - we were also delayed 1 1/2 hours on the way home. BUT THAT'S OKAY - WE MADE A MEMORY!!!!!
We checked in at the Bellagio - what a beautiful hotel!! Of course the cab driver dropped us at the wrong entrance, so we trekked through the casino with all our luggage.
Our room was amazing!! Oh, in keeping with the theme of the day, we found housekeeping in our room (this is around 8 pm) either watching TV or making a phone call - we're not sure which - but she left in a hurry. At this point we weren't surprised by anything anymore.
Some of the highlights of our stay were a morning at the spa (absolutely wonderful); fabulous dinner at Olives; Menopause the Musical (laughed my butt off); O by Cirque du Soleil (phenomenal!!); walking the strip & being hit by a wind, dust & drizzle storm (weird); being asked if we were twins (okay that was more of a highlight for me than Viv); browsing through art galleries; pastries from Jean Philippe (amazing chocolate fountain) & time spent laying out & swimming in the massive pool area. OH YEAH, WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!
The atrium in the Bellagio is so beautiful - the gardens were breathtaking (they smelled great too) Such attention to detail. Enlarge the collages for a closer look.
