Luckily the bed at the Rio is super comfy and we both had a really good nights sleep, not even waking up until after the sun was up.
I was REALLY wanting a cup of tea since the dry airconditioned air (plus smoke from last night) had given me a sore throat, and it was about 48 hours since I’d last had one. Kevin was kind enough to head downstairs to get us one from Starbucks. One hour later he returned. Definitely won’t be asking him to do that again, so hopefully we can find somewhere else to get a tea from.
It was Thanksgiving today so most things (away from the Strip) were closed and our only goal was get some groceries from Wholefoods. Of course, we could now only shop for drinks, snacks and breakfast.
We had very lazy relaxed morning. I downloaded photos & video and wrote up a blog post. Kevin played Pokemon, did some work and had a mid-morning sleep.
About 1pm we thought we’d best get a move along to Wholefoods as they were only open till 3pm. It took us some time to find the Uber pick up location but finally we were on our way. A quick 10 mins later we had arrived.
We only had an hour to get what we needed so we moved pretty quickly and were done in just over 30 mins. When we go back on Sunday we’ll have a better look around. At least we now have breakfast, snacks and some drinks.
Back at the Rio we had our lunch? (though it turns out we hadn’t had any breakfast). Unfortunately shortly after this I started to feel really unwell – body aches and pains, headache, etc. But it felt different to a fibro flare.
Salad from Wholefoods
The remainder of the day was spent in bed reading, sleeping and watching some YouTube with Kevin.
Finally the day had arrived and it was time for final packing and saying goodbye to all the puppies (giving Bailey an extra special cuddle – just in case – 5 weeks at his age is a long time).
Around 1pm we set off for the airport. We had a quick stop at the chemist (Kevin had a last minute medication he wanted to pick up) and then his office (my new Pela phone case had arrived), before heading up the expressway to Sydney. Christy was kind enough to drop us off. We didn’t realize it was her first time driving in Sydney. She did great.
Since we had received our points upgrade to Business Class we were able to head to that check-in desk, which had no line. Then it was time to farewell our new luggage and hope it makes it safely to Dallas.
Even though we could use “express lane” for business class, there was practically no wait for immigration – it was the quietest I’ve ever seen it, and security was equally as empty (though it’s never fast !!). Kevin did a quick stop (again no line/wait) to claim back some duty before we headed up to Qantas Club. Which is where we found ALL the people. Once again we had to sit at the more dumpy end of the lounge, and even share a table. We’d had a light lunch of potatoes at home, so just had another small meal/second lunch. I had some vegetable fried rice and Kevin had a curry & rice. While waiting Kevin was doing some work and I ended up editing the last “at home” vlog.
Finally shortly before 5pm we got our boarding call and made our way to the gate, excited to see our accommodations for the next 15 hours. And we were not disappointed. This was our first time experiencing the newer capsule type seats.
As you can see we had SO MUCH space. What a treat !!! Having fibromyaglia I so appreciate having space to put my legs up and be comfortable. They even give out pajamas, though I opted to stay in my travel outfit.
We departed shortly after 5.30pm and even though we didn’t have a window seat, we could still see out pretty well since this plane has much larger windows than normal – they are also self tinting (instead of having shades).
Kevin was quick to put his pajamas on shortly after take off
Before take off we had been offered champagne or sparkly water (we declined) but once up in the air and underway the food/drink service really began. I read for a bit and listened to some music (including the new album by The Comfort), and wrote up some notes for our trip, but I was really tired and struggling to stay awake.
My meal was amazing. Soup, salad and potato bake with other veggies. All plant based (and options on the “normal” menu). I was quite relieved as last time we got upgraded my vegan meal request didn’t follow me and the air stewards had to rustle up something for me (though they did a great job). It’s amazing how much things have changed in a few short years.
Funnily enough I didn’t even make it to dessert, as I was falling asleep sitting in my seat. In fact I had to be woken up for the main course :-). I quickly made up the bed (it’s super easy to do yourself), got settled with my eye mask and head phones, and was promptly asleep. I slept for a good 8 hours I believe – thanks to being able to lie flat and have a pillow. Kevin also slept really well (which is unheard of for him on a plane). I felt so much more refreshed when I woke up and was actually able to do some reading.
Before we knew it we were landing in Dallas. And came face to face with the HUGE crowds (thanks Thanksgiving) to get through immigation. At first we thought we were in the clear since the line seemed to be for Americans and Canadians, but then we discovered the other line out the other side. It honestly looked like we’d be waiting around 2 hours, and I was already feeling a bit sore. Since my fibro wouldn’t really let me stand for 2 hours Kevin went to find a wheelchair that I could sit in while in the line. But no, the man Kevin found insisted on taking us out of the line, and past ALL the people waiting, up to the special area for people in wheelchairs. Though we felt guilty we were somewhat relieved. And honestly I’d much prefer to not have fibro (and constant pain) and be capable of waiting in lines.
We then picked up our luggage and followed the signs for connecting flights. We checked into our American Airlines flights and again said goodbye to our luggage.
We had a few hours at Dallas/Fort Worth airport before our flight to Las Vegas so we stopped first at Starbucks (of course), where I was thrilled to discover I could get my fav. Dragon Drink. While we were there I recieved a message from the Wyndham Desert Blue to say we had been “downgraded” from a one bedroom apartment to a studio. Now one of the main reasons we chose to stay here (again) is because of the full kitchen. The studio only has a microwave. We contacted them, but they said we had to contact Booking.com, since that’s who we booked with. They were great and said they’d look into it.
After our drinks we bought a meal (dinner I think) from Subway, and some lollies for Kevin, before taking a seat at our gate to wait for a our flight.
No photos but they had some seats with leg rests, which I took full advantage of, while enjoying my wrap from subway (which was the first thing I’d eaten since dinner last night). We also saw our first Golden of the trip, which was just coming off the plane we were getting on.
At 6.30pm it was time to board, ready for our 7pm departure. It was dark now (not sure when that happened) and raining.
On this flight we had exit row seats so a good bit more leg room than normal. No food is served or available to buy (so glad we’d had dinner earlier). I read for most of this flight (though I still flighting dozing off). I took the window seat this trip so I could see our arrival into Vegas (since we’d never flown in at nighttime before). It was cool seeing all the buildings on the strip. I’m always surprised at how close to the airport it is.
Leaving a wet DallasArriving into a dry Vegas
Thankfully, here it’s just a matter of disembarking the plane, walking to the tram, catching that to a different terminal and then walking to baggage claim. Our luggage came out fairly quickly and we then walked to the Uber/Lyft pick up area and got our ride to the Rio All- Suites (which had been suggested by booking.com as alternative accomodation for us.
And here is where our day/s really went off course – there was a HUGE line for check-in.
Kevin was a sweetie and while he got in the line, I sat down to wait. Unfortunately this place has a casino, and reception is right beside it, so you have to deal with all the smoke in the area, not to mention the noise. I was getting pretty stressed and grumpy and Kevin suggested my headphones to help with the noise, but it was actually playing my music that really helped. Almost 2 hours later we had the keys to our room. Poor Kevin was now in pain and had sore eyes and a headache from the smoke. While waiting I’d been reading some no so good reviews and also discovered there was NO kitchen here and not even a microwave or kettle !!! At this point it was past 10pm local time and Kevin and I were both over it.
Now the room is actually pretty decent and if it was what we’d planned for we’d be very happy since it is nice and large. I was in a lot of pain and just wanted to get a snack (which we went down to the shop to get) and hop into bed. It was after 12am when we both went to sleep. But you’ll be happy to know the bed is super comfortable and we had a really good sleep.
Today we were ALL up early to say farewell to Christy – who had to leave for airport at 5.30am for her two flights to Iowa to spend 3 weeks with her fiance Makayla, whom she was actually meet in real life for the first time.
It has been really nice having Christy with us for the last week and I know she will have an amazing time with Makayla. Seems odd though that we now won’t see her until next year (she arrives back in Australia on the 2nd January.
We didn’t have to check out until 10am so I had plenty of time to finish waking up, have some time on the computer and then get ready and finish packing. We finished off the last of our Chef Kenny’s meals for breakfast. Odd I know, but the food was too good to waste – and we didn’t eat until about 9am so it wasn’t too early :-).
Just before 10am Kevin completed the check of our room and we checked out of the Wyndham (highly recommend – just avoid the time share presentations they offer) and ubered to the airport. and took advantage of curb side check-in (you just give them a tip). We were here in plenty of time since our flight wasn’t until almost 1pm. We got through security (I had my bag checked this time – it’s normally Kevin’s) and then found the gate to sit near.
Kevin had lunch chosen for the plane but I went in search of a vegan option – which was hard to find. But I did manage to get a salad baguette.
Around 12.30pm boarding began. Just yesterday I had pais (about AU$200 to choose our seats – window for Kevin, aisle for me, as neither of us wanted to be stuck in the middle for a 4.5 hour flight. But this morning we got an email to say our plane type had changed and our seats moved. It was good that it was just two at the side so both our needs could be met and we were seated together (we weren’t going to be). However we had now moved into the section of plane that could have paid less than $50 for seat selection !!!! I somehow made the mistake of booking the cheapest seats – which at the end of the day probably cost as the same as having paid more upfront. We did get 2 free checked bags (only had to pay for one) – we think this might because of our Qantas Club/One World Membership.
We took off about 1.30pm and had a nice easy 4.5 hour flight to Miami. I enjoyed my lunch and read on my kindle – in between little naps.
Kevin had the window seat so got the enjoy the sunset as we flew across the country.
We touched down about 8.30pm and by the time we walked to the baggage claim, collected our luggage and headed outside it was getting close to 9.30pm. When Kevin initially requested an uber it quoted about US$118 fee and a 50min trip (according to my research it normally took about 30mins. We then invested Super Shuttle which was going to cost US$77 but we would have to wait 30mins before we left. We decided to head back to Uber and this time were quoted US$45.
However it was indeed a long trip – there was at least accident, possible two and our driver got slightly lost when his Uber app crushed. I’m really not sure how long it took us but I’d say over an hour. We gave a generous tip, so we paid about the same as the super shuttle but had a private car deliver us straight to our destination – the Sun Tower Hotel & Suites. Once again we were told we had been upgraded since we were the last people to arrive and the Ocean View Suite was free.
The lobby of The Sun Tower & Suites
The room is lovely – but of course, we wouldn’t see the view until the morning.
Although the hour was very late we still felt like we should eat dinner. It might be 10.30pm but it was only 7.30pm in Vegas. There were only two places available at this time through Uber Eats and one happened to be vegan. Kevin ordered a burger – but they used beyong burgers patties (which I’m afraid of since they are supposed to taste very close to real beef) so I got cheesy chilli fries. They were pretty yummy but I didn’t even manage half of this serve.
We stayed up till about 12am to let dinner digest a little and then headed to bed.
We had a great last day together in Vegas. As usual I was up about 5.30am. I actually enjoy this time as I’m working on my blog or editing a vlog I can watch Vegas wake up.
We have been going very slow in the morning – it’s how I tend to go with fibro these days and Christy & Kevin seem to be in go-slow holiday mode as well. We didn’t even have breakfast (yep, bagels again) until after 10am.
Finally we headed out via uber, getting dropped off at Treasure Island and walking across the bridge to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. I think this is my fav. of the resorts on the strip. Love the atmosphere and the fact that there are some “more affordable” shops and it isn’t all luxury brands.
We first stopped by the LOVE sign…
and the gorgeous Christmas displays.
We then explored more of the Venetian and visited a few of the stunning art shops/galleries.
Of course Kevin had to buy another fruit stick from Godiva. And Christy managed to make a new friend.
From the Venetian we walked up the strip. I really don’t like this part of the strip – it is always so hectic and busy (even during the day).
We walked up the Linq Promenade – which we had never been too before. It’s really a rather nice area – though mainly restuarants.
But we were here to go on the High Roller (another thing we had not yet done in Vegas). And it was such a gorgeous day for it today.
The whole trip takes 30mins and it was really nice to sit back and enjoy the view, though I think Kevin was most excited about high speed Tesla charging station that was right beside the High Roller.
By now we were all getting hungry so decided to Uber back to the apartment so we could last nights leftovers for dinner – which I very much enjoyed. Christy and I both then did a bit of packing and sorting and then resting until it was time to head back out. We had a booking for Nacho Daddy but I mucked up the timing and we realized that we would be rushed for the show tonight. So I cancelled the booking and we headed straight to the Luxor. One thing I definitely won’t miss about Vegas is having to walk though the smoky casino sections of the hotels.
There was nothing much on offer for us in the food court but we did come across this lovely looking restaurant.
I ordered what I thought was Fried Rice with Cauliflower & edamame but turned out to be Cauliflower fried rice with edamame. I’ve never had cauliflower rice before so I didn’t think of it when I read “cauliflower fried rice” !! It was quite nice but I would have preferred rice. I only ended up eating half of it. Christy had a bowl of jasmine rice and Kevin had a pepper beef which he really enjoyed. It came with asparagus which he’s always claimed not to like (though I’ve told him many times that fresh is very different to canned) and he LOVED it.
We had to chase down out server so we could get our cheque and head to the theatre to see RUN.
No this show is pretty different for a Cirque De Soliel show and it’s their first live action theatre show. It’s all about 2 rival gangs and they do a great job of setting the scene as you enter.
We may have been sitting a bit too close to the stage because there things happening all around and in the aisles. It was noisy and bright and very busy. I really enjoyed certain parts of it and thought others were just okay. I can appreciate the work and effort that has gone into this production but as someone who isn’t a big action movie person it really wasn’t quite for me. So I’d definitely recommend for people who love action movies and flight scenes (Kevin & I always complain that they go on too long) then I’d recommend this show for you. If not, then maybe see other Cirque shows before this one. Christy said she enjoyed it and Kevin said it wasn’t as bad as the Avator one (which we were all disappointed with). Mystere is Christy and my favourite, Kevin’s is KA (which for me is very close behind Mystere.
After the show we got an Uber back to our room. I then had some delicious peppermint bark vegan ice cream before heading to bed.
