Signature, Slots, Shows and Starbucks - Day 6 Adrenaline and Shopping!

[BONZO]

Sunday 28th September

Alison was up early once again this morning and I slept on as seems to be the pattern now. We both had breakfast in the room and then watched the end of the Ryder Cup despite the endless advert and sponsorship breaks. It really does make you appreciate the BBC! And hooray – Europe won!

We took another look at the list of things to do and decided that today was the day we’d go to The Stratosphere to do some of the rides. My mind was in a better place than previously so we’ll take a judgement call on what if any rides I’ll do.

On the way out through the hotel we saw there was no queue for the C.S.I Experience and were curious as they’d been pushing it hard every day we’d been past it. We got a discount for the attraction as we were staying at The Signature and in we went. No one else was in there and armed with clipboards we were on our mission. Without giving too much away, you were given an assignment (a crime scene) and had to work round all the clues and evidence. The whole thing was a bit disappointing. We wouldn’t really recommend it and were pleased that we didn’t pay full price for it.

We headed out to the strip and took the bus to The Stratosphere, had a look around the casino and played a couple of slots before deciding which rides to do. Eventually we settled on doing one ride each, I did Insanity (which is a spinning ride hanging over the edge of the tower) and Alison decided on The Big Shot (which is the one that shoots you up in the air). There’s something poetic about our choices I think – LOL

After going through the normal security checks we took the fast elevator up to the 109th (I think) floor along with a few nervous people. Absolutely stunning views from up here across “historic downtown Vegas”, a bit like the view from BT Tower. Oh well, I’m first up as I ride Insanity. Strapped in and moved out 64ft over the edge then tilted forward slightly whilst it spins. A slight rush at first but it only spins no faster than a playground roundabout. Good experience but only a “white knuckle ride” if you have a fear of heights.







I’m glad I’ve got my ride mojo back so I said to Alison that I’d ride The Big Shot with her so I purchased an additional ticket for myself. After all, I didn’t want her taking all the glory for riding this. It was really quite a buzz sitting there waiting to be shot up in the air! Yes, that one was ok for me too and I was pleased that I’d done it. We wandered around the observation deck taking photos and watching helicopters slightly below us!





We also watched people do the SkyJump. If it was cheaper I’d do it - even the sight of a woman in the queue crying didn’t put me off. Basically you are strapped into a harness, then walk out onto a platform and jump off the side! The harness is attached to a rope which slows you down before you land. Maybe next time!



As it was getting near lunchtime we had a sandwich at the Sandwich Carvery 108, spookily on the 108th floor, whilst taking in the views. All very tasty and good value for money. I think it was about $10 for each for some lovely hot deli sandwiches.





We headed down in the lift and left the Stratosphere and made our way to Premium Outlets (North) via the SDX bus. This was spookily exactly the same as the Florida version with similar stores and surprisingly packed. We got a few things from the shops without feeling the need to spend money just because we were there. We jumped on the SDX bus back to The Sahara stop and then the monorail back to MGM Grand/Signature.

After a very quick dip in the pool and wash and brush up we were ready to go out for the evening. We’d booked Penn and Teller tickets for this evening – at The Rio hotel. As it was a bit too far to walk we decided to get a cab this time which made a nice change and only cost about $15 including a generous tip. I felt a bit sorry for the cabbie although we did say that although we were Brits we knew how to tip which led to him talking about cabbie issues in Vegas.

First impressions of Rio were good as the place had a nice feel to it. We walked over to the Penn and Teller box office to pick up our tickets only to discover that it wasn’t open yet so we headed back into the main casino and took the lift to the Voodoo Lounge to do the Zip line. I had a Groupon for this at $44 for two. There were only a couple of people in the queue in front of us so we took in the sights of the cityscape at night from lounge.





Ok, it was our turn next and after signing all sorts of waivers and disclaimers, they strapped us tightly into a fairly lightweight chair for two (we were hoping it would hold us!) before launching us over the edge.

Apart from the initial rush it was an ok ride before we were winched back and got off. Interesting thing to do but another attraction I wouldn’t rush back to do, especially at full price.



We headed back downstairs to collect the tickets for the show, and then looked around the various restaurants to see what we fancied for dinner. We were surprised that Hash House a go-go was shut for dinner (although we wouldn’t have eaten there again so soon after last night!).

I had looked around earlier for food options for dinner at the Rio and I’d noticed the Royal India Bistro. Normally we’d avoid Indian or Chinese restaurants when abroad as we’ve been so disappointed in the past but this one looked a bit more upscale so we went in. We were shown to a table in a huge sumptuous room but there were hardly any diners there. Poppadoms to start, Alison had Chicken tikka for her main dish with a tandoori roti and I had Chicken Karachi (they asked how hot I wanted it so requested about a Madras heat) and a tandoori roti. We shared a rice and vegetable pakora all washed down with Taj Mahal beer and a soft drink.









The food was lovely – really good quality and an atmospheric setting. Afterwards we chatted to the waiter for ages about how Indian food was received with Americans. He said that a lot of Americans were really unsure about the food and didn’t know what to order etc. He couldn’t believe how many curry restaurants and take- aways there were in London as he’d never been. Total cost $89, which we though was good value. Highly recommended!

We headed over for the Penn and Teller show, and found an interesting mix of people waiting to go in. Some were in full evening dress and other in casual wear (t-shirts and shorts) – very strange, but all accepted  We took our seats and then realised that everyone was taking the chance to go on stage before the show started so we did the same! And signed our names on a poster on stage, and sat on (and in) a box which was one of the props. All the time a really good jazz pianist was playing.

Excuse the colour of the photo – strange stage lighting!



Without giving away any spoilers, the show was an excellent mix of magic, illusion, comedy and a dash of political commentary. All with lots of audience interaction.

After the show we caught a cab from out front of the hotel – there was a massive queue but it went down really quickly. The cabbie told us that 3 shows at the RiO all finish at the same time and he personally had done 3 runs from the Rio already! Cab cost us the same as going so that was fine. Quick wind down before going to bed as we had an early start planned in the morning.

Total on the betting front today - I bet $25 and won $27, Alison bet $25 and won $0

[miked1e]

Good day!

I did the sky jump this summer and would highly recommend it... In terms of price, it is always handy to know that if someone does it, then you get a free pass to the top of the strat and a guest can buy a ticket a USD 7. Normal price I think was usd 20 each...

So in theory a usd 33 saving for the 2 of us.

[daytonababe]

Another good day :-)

As for CSI I did it with my DD 2 yrs ago.. what a waste of time that was..never again.

[Guest]

I wish I'd done rides in vegas :-(

[mossyflossy]

Another great day, glad to see you found your ride mojo and looks like a very tasty Indian meal too.

[Pussycat Doll]

Great day, you're braver than me! Pussycat

[abiknox]

Good day again! Well done you for going on the rides. I think we will do the big shot, I don't fancy any that hang over the edge though no matter how slow they go!

Dinner looked good!

[orlandosgr8]

Not sure I like the look of those rides, well done on going on them.

[LOU68]

DH did Insanity and he hates heights. We also saw Penn & Teller,did you meet them after the show? Did you recognise the "really good jazz pianist" ?

[BONZO]

Originally Posted by LOU68

DH did Insanity and he hates heights. We also saw Penn & Teller,did you meet them after the show? Did you recognise the "really good jazz pianist" ?

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Didn't do the post show "meet and great" as it was a bit of a scrum and we just wanted to get back to the hotel.

Didn't really recognise the pianist though.