Since our last visit to Las Vegas years ago a new complex has emerged south of the Bellagio called “City Center” which consists of several new hotels and, of course, more casinos, restaurants and shops. We elected to wander over in search of something different for breakfast and settled on a place called District: Donuts in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It was one of several specialty, high end grab & go restaurants in a food court setting. We opted for breakfast sandwiches (with a side of a cinnamon roll) not knowing that the breakfast sandwiches would be made using a donut as the bread portion. Only in Vegas! They were somewhat messy, certainly different and fun.

We wandered through several of the hotels in the area, looking at the decor. I liked the Cosmopolitan because it had that old school classic look but not the Aria which had a more modern look. With more time to kill we wandered into the new shopping mall in the area and found that one of the immerse Van Gogh exhibits now playing around the country was located there. We had wanted to experience one so decided this was a good opportunity to do so. It was as good as reviews have said it was. Located in a large space where images of Van Gogh’s painting were projected on all the walls with a musical score to accompany the slide show. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

The farewell group dinner was held at the local version of a famous (founded in 1938) LA chain, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Restaurant. We met up with our fellow travelers for one final get together. Lawry’s is one of those restaurants that has remained true to its origins. The decor is Art Deco with lots of wood and muted lighting. And the food is the same-mostly prime rib served from huge rolling carts with classical side dishes, including their famous “spinning” salad bowl, served by waiters dressed in classic fashion. It was a treat that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Before retiring for the night we made one more attempt to at least dent the bank at the casino but with typical luck. Maybe next time. Oh, by the way maybe we should have known better as my $10 Powerball investment had resulted in only 1 of my 36 numbers being picked. That should have given my some warning about my gambling luck.