Having fun!

Last week I had the opportunity to go to three different attractions: Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour (by Cirque du Soleil), the stand up comedy with Jerry Seinfeld and a Pink Martini concert.

Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour, in Las Vegas, had a very short season and the venue was temporary. The structure, as in all Cirque productions, was amazing, but because it's a musical spectacle, as Viva Elvis and The Beatles, is not so much "circus", but lots of music, colors and technology. I think this show is a preview of what's to come in 2013, when Cirque debuts the permanent attraction.

I'm a fan of the sitcom Seinfeld for years, and after losing some opportunities, we finally got a spot in the audience to see Jerry Seinfeld live. Excellent! It is a show that you laugh from beginning to end, but for my foreign friends, the English has to be sharp and you have to know a little bit of the American "way of life" because this is what he makes fun about!

On Dec 31st, we went to a Pink Martini concert. Loved it! The band is American, but most of the songs are sung in other languages ​​like French, Mandarin, Hebrew, Turkish and Spanish. Their rhythm is sooo good! If you do not know them, I suggest searching on the internet and listen to some of their music. And when you get a chance, go to the concert!

Details: Holidays...

I hope everyone enjoyed very much the holidays and is motivated and energized for 2012!
Below are some pictures of my last week which had an extra special visit, food, travel, tours, walks, shopping and music.

During the week, I'll post about my Christmas and New Year suppers (delicious!), some recipes, and suggestions of really cool attractions! Happy New Year!

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On the road! (Los Angeles-Las Vegas)

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Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas - Attractions

To finish the posts about Vegas, here are some attractions that I recommend: Cirque du Soleil (I've watched almost all of their shows: Ka, O, Viva Elvis, Mystere and The Beatles-Love. In December 2011 they will start Michael Jackson-The Immortal, definitely a must!); steady concerts such as Garth Brooks, Celine Dion (Elton John will be touring there for two months), Blue Man Group, David Copperfield; the fountain at the Bellagio hotel; M&Ms and Coca-Cola stores; a gondola ride at the Venetian; shopping at Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace; a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and so on ... Regarding restaurants, I will not list here, because there thousands of it - from fast food to top chefs (the busiest restaurants must be booked in advance). In addition to the hotels' own websites, Vegas.com is an excellent source. You will find detailed information about hotels, nightlife, concerts, and they also offer great attractions + rooms combos. Have fun!

Las Vegas - Hotels

Accommodation costs in Las Vegas is very affordable with rates ranging from fifty to several thousand dollars. Most important casinos/hotels are located on the Strip (main street of Las Vegas with about 7.2 km that you can go by taxi, on foot, by limo or shuttle service between hotels). The most famous and classic hotels are: Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM, Mandalay Bay, Venetian and Paris; the fancy Wynn/Encore and Trump; the newest and also fancy Aria and Cosmopolitan; the great Treasure Island, Mirage, New York New York and the simple Harrah's, Imperial Palace, Flamingo. Any one you choose, you'll be presented with a tons of attractions. My only suggestion is that with so many options on the Strip, is not worth go further away because the traffic close to and on the Strip is heavy and it is too hot during the summer to walk a long distance (Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert)

Las Vegas - Overall

Vegas is a very controversial city. People love it or hate it. I like it because the city offers an  incredible amount of attractions and shows (I already saw almost all the shows that Cirque du Soleil has in town!). I also like to see the change in people's behavior when, unlike many other U.S. cities, you're allowed to drink on the streets and smoke indoors (and I can say that it makes a huge difference and, unfortunately, not for the better!) What also strikes me in Vegas are the casinos/hotels, of course! Gigantic buildings; tons of attractions that can keep you without seeing sunlight for many days; gambling; bars; restaurants; shopping malls; nightclubs, concerts; spas; gyms and so on. Swimming pools are also a big deal there! They would make any water park envy! In the next few days, I will talk a little bit more about the city and its attractions. So you can make your own conclusion and add (or not) the city in your list of places to visit...