Seven days in Vegas.  Last year it was ten.  And still a list we didn’t think we’d get through – but we tried.  Last year we missed Hofbrauhaus – so this year we started there.  Wish we had been there a bit later so we could have spent time with the band and festivities, but the food was terrific and the ambiance was very Munich (one of my favorite cities) since the building is an exact replica of the original in Germany.  The beer was excellent as were the strudels and schnitzels – a great start for the week.

Checked into the Bellagio and headed to the Sports Book for a few drinks and a bit of the British Open (and ponies and baseball) – they have several champagne specialty cocktails that are simply light and perfect.  Not to be missed are obviously the Fountains of Bellagio which can be viewed from several of the restaurants, the Strip or from a fountain view room with the “Fountain Channel” playing the accompanying music.  The Fiori Di Como is simply breath taking- the hand blown glass flower chandelier that spans nearly the entire lobby area leading into the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The gardens are changed seasonally and can be viewed on web cam – particularly fascinating when they are setting up the next exhibit.  This year was a stunning spring scene complete with populated aviary, lighthouse, river, bridge, boat and tree house.  The first year I went (2011) the Chinese New Year was the theme, last year was Holland with tulips, windmills and kites.

There is something to see and something new to discover everywhere in Vegas, even without leaving your hotel.  (Even though we definitely did a lot of that over the week.)  Next up – the Neon Boneyard – not to be missed!