Just got back from Solo Trip # 2 to Sin City. This was a total coupon run, as I just bought an ACG book and wanted to use my remaining MRB freebies as well. I have a childhood friend who is a local now, she was my taxi/guide for the trip.

Landed Monday evening after a cramped ride on Airtran from Atl to LV. Upon check-in, they offered me a "Penthouse" upgrade for only $50, I declined. I’m never in room long enough to appreciate it. However, my S. Tower 9th floor room was really nice. They said it was "standard" but it was much bigger than most, and had a great view of pool/FSE.

The Plaza is still pretty much the same. Worn with a slight haze of smoke, but they are trying. All the elevators worked, the staff was all very pleasant, and the cocktail service was quick and friendly. The Omelet House had a good crowd; the "Lucky 7 Buffet" is now called "Stuffed." McDonalds was closed. I did notice they were pushing The Rat Pack is Back! harder than ever.

We spent Monday night up and down FSE playing and drinking. Shrimp cocktails at GG, some 25-cent roulette at El Co, a nice run at LVC and more drinks. I did have a chance to check out the new Gold Spike. It was really nice. Clean, low limits, attractive staff, and nice pit bosses. However, you can tell they hired the dealers on looks and not counting skills. Our girl had to ask her boss the final tally of her cards more than once. I guess anything outside of the face cards gets tough. Wrapped up around 3 am.

Spent Tues. morning at the pool. Holy Hell, Vegas is hot. The chairs, the railing, the floor, everything is so friggin hot to the touch. But the pool was cold and so were the drinks. Some kids, some 'necks, some international folks and a few meth heads made up the crowd.

After some pool time, we did a huge coupon run. We hit the Palms, Sahara, Hooters, PH, Bills, EI, Terribles and some downtown joints. The $1 days at Sahara are a lot of fun. The shots are mini-kamikazi, but you can keep the glass. The hotdog however, is gray and it looks like it would stick with you for a while too. With all the slot play coupons, I walked out of the PH $60 up without spending a dime. The lunch buffet at Palms was really good. Also, FINALLY had the $7 steak at EI and while a little more med-rare than I ordered, it was great. The free beer was a nice treat too.

Took Wednesday to check out The Western and had the $3 shot and Corona. $9 later, I felt great. Took bus to Sams Town, then walked Boulder Hwy to E. Cann and Longhorn. That’s when the heat got to me. It was just hot. I felt like my feet were melting to the ground. 2 cold beers later, I was back in the game.

Wednesday evening, took advantage of a free dinner at Cafe Cortez (stick to Robertas/Flame). Back to Plaza, packed up and headed home. On way out, I popped a $25 chip on the BJ table, and won 3 in a row. Great way to end the trip.

Here were my pre-trip thoughts - post trip thoughts in ALL CAPS

- Start this trip as I do every time... Burger at the Bay City Diner at GG – NOT HUNGRY, AND DIDN’T HAVE TIME..

- $.25 cent late night Roulette at the El Co. – INDEED... BUT LUCKY NUMBERS NEVER HIT..

- Check out the new Gold Spike – LOOKS NICE ON INSIDE. DEALERS NEED TO REVIEW THEIR 4TH GRADE MATH BOOKS THOU.. BUT THEY ARE HOT, SO IT’S OK.

- Daylight trip to the Western for the $3 Corona and shot special.. - $9 WORTH!!!

- Coupon run on the Sams town bus.. – WALKING BOULDER STRIP IN 108-DEGREE HEAT IS WHAT I IMAGINE HELL TO BE KINDA LIKE..

- Cab it to Sahara to check out $1 days - $1 DAYS ARE GREAT.. BUT HOTDOG IS ONLY IF YOUR REALLY DRUNK..TABLES VERY FULL THOU..

- Lay out by the pool w/ a cold one – IT WAS FUN WATCHING THE TIME/TEMP GAGE AT TOP OF BINIONS CLIMB FROM 99 TO 104 DEGREES IN LESS THAN 1 HOUR

- Continue to stay away from Circus Circus – 5 YEARS STRONG!!

- And do all this on my time – WITH SOME HELP FROM FRIENDS..

Let me know if you head to Vegas.. Ill help...

Mixmaster..