If you’ve been following me on Twitter (and if you’re not, why aren’t you?!?!), you already know that I was in Las Vegas with Ninja-mo and some other members of my family over the Memorial Day weekend. It was hot, and Ninja-mo and I walked so much that my feet swelled to approximately three times their normal size on the plane ride home. Getting old is the pits. Anyway, it was a fabulous trip and I actually learned a lot. Here are some of the things I learned and/or remembered while visiting Las Vegas:

• Strip hotels are farther away than they appear.
• The cannons that power the Bellagio fountains are so powerful that they can interrupt your sleep on the 26th floor.
• People talk about “dry heat” as if it’s not horrible. This is a lie. Dry heat is still hot.
• The best Eggs Benedict in the whole wide world can be had at Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris hotel. Also, they have fantastic coffee.
• Girls in their late teens and early 20s are setting new records for skanky dressing.
• Even if you’ve seen the movie a gazillion times, seeing “Phantom” is something you simply must do. It’s the best show I’ve ever seen. Ever.
• The east side of the Strip, between Flamingo and Venetian, is not a good place to walk with your young daughter in tow, unless your aspiration for her is that she become a topless dancer.
• The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is not worth the trip unless you’re staying close by
• Apparently there are quite a few people who don’t own a full-length mirror.
• A queen-sized bed is not big enough for me and Ninja-mo to share.
• Based on the crowds and the construction projects, there are a whole bunch of people who don’t realize we’re in a recession.
• The pedicure facilities at Bellagio are fantabulous.
• A Corona and a virgin pina colada will run you $16 at the Rhumbar frozen daiquiri bar in the Mirage. That’s not including the tip.
• Dim sum is the best lunch ever.
• About 85% of people are, for whatever reason, incapable of following simple directions such as pedestrian traffic signals.

You can see some pictures I took here. It was a fabulous, fun-filled trip and I’m so thankful to have gotten to go. On the other hand, there’s no place like home… there’s no place like home…