Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Vegas, baby!

Back in December, we took a long weekend trip to Las Vegas.  Playing by our own rules, we ventured outside the strip for a little different experience than most who come to this city.  The primary reason for the trip was for Emily to join our friend Brie in the Vegas Half Marathon.  I was just along for the ride (how can I pass up a trip?).  We flew in Friday evening after work, and I gotta say, that was the wildest plane ride I have ever been on.  On Saturday afternoon, we took a helicopter ride over the Hoover Dam and out to the Grand Canyon.  We had originally planned to do this with a rental car, but heli is definitely the way to go!

 Hoover Dam from the chopper

 they say communication is the key to a healthy relationship  :)
 Grand Canyon - best viewed from the air

 Brie, yours truly, our pilot, and Em 
(best quote of the ride was from Brie, "I want a helicopter"....I couldn't agree more!)

Saturday night, we went to a Cirque du Soleil show; they never fail to amaze.  We also squeezed in some healthy time on the strip.  Despite making myself look like an uncool tourist, I could not resist to take my DSLR...this city just photographs so well...especially at night.  It also helps that my buddy let me borrow his 24mm prime f/1.4 L series lens (yet another toy added to my wish list).

 watching the Bellagio fountains is a must




 Chihuly in the Bellagio

 chocolate fountain

 great pyro in the Treasure Island show

 Caesar's Palace

gondola in the Venetian

In true Vegas style, Em ran the Rock n Roll Half Marathon on Sunday with very little sleep, yet was able to finish OK.  I did well enough at poker to fund the entire trip and still fly home with more in my pocket than I had when I arrived.  If only all Vegas trips could be this great!  I love getting paid to go on vacation.

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