Las Vegas and Valley of Fire

Kris had a work conference in Las Vegas, so I tagged along! I've been here twice for work myself, and once we spent the night here on the way home from visiting three national parks in Utah. This time was definitely the most time I spent in the city.

Mirage and casinos

Kris' conference was at the Mirage, which had a volcano that erupted every night for a few hours on the hour. You could feel the heat of it, and it lasted about four minutes. I was very entertained. We walked down to the Bellagio to watch the fountains, and there's just something about water dancing to music! Totally worth seeing. This also happens every ten minutes with different songs, so you can watch for a long time.

What I didn't like - this isn't a place I'd bring my kids. I went running off the strip and went right back because there were so many druggies. Both on the strip and off, there are a lot of cracked out people. The street performers are also pretty explicit. It's not awful - no one bothered me, but it's just not somewhere I'd bring them.  

                                            

New York, New York

I couldn't remember if I rode the roller coaster here before, so if I couldn't remember - I should totally pay the $19 to do it again! Happily, I also got to go in the front car! This was a great roller coaster - seemed long and it was fun. I'll remember it this time!

Venetian

I remembered when I came the first time that there was a room that looked like the sky. I couldn't find exactly what I remembered (is it possible things have changed in 20 years?!) but I did find something beautiful. There's a place in the Venetian called St George Square, which looks and feels like you're outside in a city square. The ceiling is painted like the sky, and it really gives that feeling. There were performers here dressed in 1800s fashion singing 'Shallow' in Italian, and it was even better than dancing water.

Ferris Wheel at Linq - High Roller

We wondered why we hadn't been on this before, and it's because it didn't exist until 2014! It cost $20 to ride, and it was worth it for the view of the city. It's the world's second largest Ferris wheel, and definitely the tallest thing in Las Vegas. It takes 30 minutes to go around, and we really enjoyed it! It's roomy, glass, and not at all scary! 

Cirque du soleil

I hear mixed reviews about these shows, but for me, it's definitely worth going. It features the most amazing athletes doing things you can't imagine...every night, twice a night! I'm talking roller blading on ramps over each other, doing tricks on trampolines, hanging from silks from the ceiling while someone bungees off of you to the floor, contortionists, people on a trapeze that circles and if they fell they would DIE because there's just a stage below them! I saw Love, and I'm not even a big Beatles fan, but I loved the performance so much. The talent!

Valley of Fire

We rented a car from the Avis in our hotel, which was one of the quickest car rental transactions I've ever had. I started driving north, and five minutes later...we were out of the city! Just desert. And there is really nothing. No houses, no signs - really, nothing. A half hour away, there was a gas station, and all the cars and trucks in front of us turned in. I get why! You better get it while you can!

Then in the middle of the desert, you can see the red rocks rising! The Valley of Fire State Park.

We went on a three-mile loop trail. We started on Fire Wave and connected it to White Domes. It was gorgeous and different the whole way. Red rocks, striped rocks, canyons, mountains, and bighorn sheep! In the wild! Vicious no doubt. 

We had no service here, so check what you want to see ahead of time. We could have seen more, but they were out of maps at the entrance and visitor's center, and we couldn't look anything up. Happily we chose a good trail, but there are things like elephant rock, petroglyphs, and other sights I would have seen if I had known about them ahead of time. 

I love that this is so close to Las Vegas, because it was a gorgeous hike. We wanted to do this AND go to Hoover Dam, but we didn't have enough time after Kris' meeting because when we came in November, the sunset was at 4:15 p.m. Not much daylight! So, I'm glad we came here, because we'll save that for another work trip!

Washington DC

I've been to Washington DC more times than I can count. Even though this was a really short trip, since it was for work, I still got to see some things (and people!) I really enjoyed.

The National Mall

I love the setup of the National Mall, because it's designed so perfectly. Everything is so symmetrical! Aimee drove four hours from Raleigh to pick me up from the airport, Alicia drove from Annapolis, and they parked on the street near my hotel so we could walk there. We walked to the World War II Memorial, along the pool, up to the giant Lincoln Memorial, and by the Vietnam Memorial. We also walked past the National Monument. Basically, walking anywhere here you're going to see something historical! 

Gardens and art

We saw the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and walked around admiring the art. Then we went inside the Hirshhorn and saw among other cool sights, Laurie Anderson's exhibit, which is descried as an 'immersive audiovisual experience.' I loved it! 

District Wharf

Part of my conference was located here, but Alicia, Aimee and I hadn't been here. Later, I found out that it's because it's new! They've created an entertainment area by the water. We ate here at Kirwan's On the Wharf, but there are a lot of choices. Later that night I went to the conference event right on the water here, too. Super nice area.

Honestly, I've met up with these girls in various states and countries, so the fact they'd drive to Washington DC just for lunch shouldn't surprise me, but it did - just so awesome to see them. 

                                 

Museums

I love museums, and I love that they're free here! I was walking to the Capitol Building and passing right by the National Gallery of Art. How could I resist? It was about 15 minutes to closing time, so I just went in to spend those minutes walking around. 

The amazing thing about being in this museum is that sometimes in them I'm struggling to find something I find interesting. There's always something, but in smaller museums you sometimes have to work for it. But this one...room after room...you could get lost in it, it's so huge, and full of amazing art! I also love going to museums by myself, because I can go anywhere I want and stay as long as I want (or at least until it closes.)

I walked past a hallway and a picture caught my eye, and it was like seeing someone you recognized. It was Ginevra de' Benci by Leonardo da Vinci, which my mom has a replica of in her house. She used to go to DC a lot with my dad for meetings, and she said when she came here, she would always visit the painting to stare at it, because she loves it so much. I was so happy to happen to see it, and I stared at it too.

                                               

Capitol Building

I love visiting capitol buildings in our state capitals, and since they often share the same style, but wow - this one always seems so huge.

Running

                                      

I always like to run in other cities because you always get a different feel. The first morning I ran here, a rat jumped out of a planter and ran alongside me for a few steps. Ah, cities. I had to go early, and it was pitch black and cold. I ran to the Lincoln Memorial. The mall pathway was lit, but it was just a pool of darkness beyond it. I wondered about the safety of running there by myself, but it seemed fine. There was not one person in sight, so when I visited Lincoln, it was just him and me. You don't always get touristy spots to yourself, and I really liked the early morning visit. Not only was he a great leader, but that is one beautiful statue. 

                                               

Work

Since I was there for work, we stayed at the Marriot, and ate at Bobby Van's Steakhouse and Proper 21. I had a good time with my work friends, too.

There are a million more things to do in DC when you have time! I've ridden the hop on and off bus, explored the Smithsonian and other museums, and done the night scene. I'll be back, I know ... because my kids haven't even been here yet!