The nature of my work can be quite fun (sometimes) and this was one of those moments. As I walked along the exhibition floor, it was interesting to check out the various indoor and outdoor rides, animation showcases and souvenirs that the various suppliers had. It was quite hard to not stop and gawk.
Although this is a city better known for its entertainment than attractions per se, we managed to fit in a few interesting site inspections like Madame Tussauds as well as a CSI-themed attraction.
Sights and Sounds at IAAPA
Madame Tussauds was more interesting than expected (seriously, how interesting can wax figures be?) and I personally think its appeal lies in people 'hamming' it up or posing with their favourite celebrities. Hey...one can even get married to George Clooney.
Touted as an interactive museum, one could touch J Lo's butt and watch her blush while people would 'cheer' for you if one managed to score a hole-in-one on the course with Tiger Woods.
As a huge fan of CSI, I was looking forward to solving a mystery or two in their crime lab. In fact, one need not worry too much about the challenge being too difficult as the videos and multiple choice answers would 'aid' you along. Honestly, was a tad disappointed at the overall experience. Not sure what I was expecting but perhaps more interactive time with Grishom?
Mandalay Shark Reef Aquarium: This was waaaaay better than Underwater World. I was quite fascinated by the jellyfish (bottom middle picture) while I spent abit of time staring at the stingray as my mind chimed "sambal pls".
2. Strip highlights
One can't visit Vegas without walking the strip to check out the various hotels, which were statement pieces. Check out the roller coaster winding its way around the New York New York hotel, the fairytale looking castle at Mandalay as well as the realistic looking Eiffel tower at Paris Hotel.
The famous MGM lion which one sees roaring away at the end of MGM movies. It was quite a majestic sight and made the lions I have seen thus far appear a tad ordinary. Check out his nicely blown mane! One wonders whether they have groomers to make them look this good...
The much talked about Bellagio Fountain:
I always had the (mistaken) notion that a Cirque show was just a glorified acrobatic circus without animals. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging and different the shows could be. I can't do the shows justice by my description...just go catch a show if you are ever in Vegas!
Inspired by Beatles music, this was a fun show and one couldn't help but tap along to the music. Moreover, this purpose built theatre was a spectacle in itself and made the audience feel like a part of the performance.
Ka was my favourite and it was an amazing performance which kept me rooted to my seat for the entire duration of the show. Some of their acrobatic feats were just unbelievable and I was just awed into silence.
3. Food highlights
In view of the US-sized portions, many times we had to share our food in order to fit in more variety. There were good dining moments and I was particularly excited about Bouchon (a Thomas Keller restaurant). Alas no pictures as I felt a tad embarrassed at whipping out my camera since my dining partner wasn't someone I was particularly familiar with. Although the bread we started off with was just amazing, our mains were so-so and I kept thinking I could get better roasted pork at our hawker centres.
Chinese at MGM [top]: The fried rice had sufficient 'wok hei' while the beef brisket soup was fairly authentic tasting.
House of Blues Restaurant at Mandalay hotel [bottom]: although we didn't get to try the gospel brunch, the spicy buffalo wings, bbq roasted babyback ribs and Smokehouse "blues" burger were good enough tummy fillers.
4. Stopover in LA
Unfortunately, I only had a day to roam so no Universal Studios. In a bid to maximize the day, I decided to walk around as much as I could which was a big mistake. LA is NOT a city to walk around in and one should ideally get your own set of wheels and more time.
Had to take a picture of Hollywood's walk of fame and of course the Hollywood sign (from a distance).
Typical american fare although after my 5th burger, was really glad to hop on to the plane and look forward to some good old zhi-char.
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