CA - Possibly, Maybe, Now Definitely! Day 8 - insanity on the 109th Floor!

[tonymc]

Day 8: Thursday 7th September 2017

Trip Index here

A surprise - we all managed a lie in until at least 09:30 this morning. Fortunately we had nothing planned, so a leisurely breakfast in the room, and then another stroll northwards up the strip calling in at a few hotels on the way to check out the decor, shopping, restaurants etc.

TBH, quite a few of them started to have that feeling of deja-vu, basically a casino floor. The exception was the Venetian where we did spend quite a bit of time admiring the artwork, the recreation of street scenes, and the Gondoliers punting people along the canals. We did fleetingly consider this, but at $30 each for around 11 minutes punt, we decided against it.

We then continued up the strip looking for the Wynn, but failed miserably as the previous cloud cover had disappeared and it was getting hot, hot, hot in the sun. So we had a leisurely stroll back to our condo for lunch, courtesy of our boxed up Panda Express leftovers..

Then out again, this time to check out the MGM Grand... and wished we hadn't have bothered. It was really disappointing with very little to shout about - Joanne thought it would have been something quite spectacular.

As Joanne had booked a meal at the Top of the Tower at the Stratosphere tonight, we made an early-ish return to our accommodation, calling at Walgreens for additional supplies of water and soft drinks.

Several hours later, all fully prepped up, we set sail for the Stratosphere via Paradise Road that runs parallel with the Strip, on the basis that it should be less busy which proved to be the case. Parking was free at the Stratosphere, and we arrived in the hotel only to have to walk through the casino to get to the desk and elevator for the restaurant.

A quick ride up to the 106th floor, where on check-in we requested a window-side seat. We were told it would be 45 minute wait, but after making our way to the bar on the floor above, we were buzzed in 25 minutes.

All three chose the chefs 4 course tasting menu at $98. To start Alex and Jo had Lobster Bisque whilst I had the carrot, orange and ginger soup. Second courses were Portabello Mushroom, Scallop and Pork Belly respectively. For mains, we all went for the Filet Mignonette with Shrimp Scampi (my scampi on the side) - the steak was superb, probably one of, if not the best, we have had. Dessert was a dark chocolate mousse and vanilla Creme Brûlée, which we really could have done with bringing back with us but due to the dishes used, we couldn't.

A fantastic meal, all the time the view changing and with some spectacular views down the strip and of the lightning.

Time Lapse from the Top of the World Restaurant in Las Vegas (Facebook Link)

Afterwards, we were invited to go up to the outdoor observation platform on the 109th floor, where they also have several rides including one called Insanity. Basically, this cantilevers you over the side of the building, then spins you round - Joanne was foolish enough to do this. I think it's fair to say that both Alex and myself had hearts in mouth as the ride started up!

Insanity - Enough Said

Once Jo had returned to 109th floor terra firma, we had another few minutes checking out the views, then made our way down in the express lift and back to the car for a fairly swift journey back down the strip and a much later than we have been used to bed!

[Melbatb]

I loved the styling of the Venetian - so well themed!

Dinner sounds delicious - couldn't get the video to work but I have heard about the ride - Joanne is one brave lady!

[tonymc]

Hi Mel - sorry about the link not working. I've been trying to load it to my Facebook account all afternoon but without success. Could you let me know if the time-lapse video link worked as this was uploaded on my account. If it does, it may be that Joanne's privacy settings are limiting who can view the video. I'll keep trying to upload it though!

[Melbatb]

I still can't see it - on the GC post, I could see the photos on your account but not those on Joanne's!

[tonymc]

Mel - I've managed to upload the video onto my Facebook account and made it public access - would be grateful if you could try it again and let me know if successful. Thanks.

[Melbatb]

It works!

That is truly horrendous - nothing would get me on that! In a million years! No way!

[tonymc]

Originally Posted by Melbatb

It works!

That is truly horrendous - nothing would get me on that! In a million years! No way!

See more...

I'm with you on that. Both Alx and myself were wringing hands as well as clenching other parts IYKWIM!

[Pussycat Doll]

We're planning going up the Stratesphere but not on any of the rides! Sounds like a great day.

[tonymc]

Originally Posted by Pussycat Doll

We're planning going up the Stratesphere but not on any of the rides! Sounds like a great day.

See more...

Very sensible attitude I say!

[Animagus]

The meal in the Stratosphere sounds gorgeous. I'm not sure about that Insanity thing though - especially after a 4 course dinner!