Las Vegas Christmas 2005 - Day Three

Christmas Eve at the Rio

It's now Saturday, I think. Went to the champagne brunch at the hotel. OMG - you simply would NOT believe the food. Not just the quantity, but the variety. Of course, we met at the ibar. (No drinks, just a central place to meet) There wasn't much of a line to get in to the buffet. After being seated, we ordered (what else???) MIMOSAS. Then - off to the chow line. It was just incredible. I swear the whole buffet was about 100 yards long. Every type of cuisine was represented - Mexican, Italian, Oriental - even good old American barbeque, prime rib, chicken, turkey - you name it!!! I had breakfast (Eggs Benedict, fruit, sausage) and don't know what anybody else had. I worked hard to finish what I had put on my plate. I didn't mean to go for dessert, but I couldn't help myself. I'm going to only list those things that interested me. Believe me, there was plenty more!!! Crepes Suzette Bananas Foster Cheesecake Creme Brulee Chocolate Eclairs "Make Your Own" Sundae Bar Pies - of every description Cakes - of every description Tortes Honestly and truly, I got a small portion of Crepes Suzette, a couple of mini eclairs, a fruit tart, a teeny little piece of carrot cake, a mini service of ice cream. COME ON FOLKS - I HAVE A SMALL APPETITE!!! And a small stomach. HONESTLY!!! I put away as much as I possibly could. At least I have painted a picture for you of the bountiful buffet. The rest of the day was spent walking around, groaning and complaining how stuffed we were. A little window shopping, a little gambling, a little napping. I still stuck with the slots. There were TV screens all over the place with advertisements playing almost constantly and seductively. Sensory overload!

The "Masquerade Show in the Sky" was just great. Huge floats hanging from the sky on tracks over the casino. There was a stage show 7 times a day, followed by the float parade. Here are a couple of pictures of the parade in the sky...

It was pretty spectacular. Loud music, beautiful guys and gals. The parade was preceded with clowns, guys on stilts, throwing of beads and general merriment.

This was my favorite float:

After every parade in the sky, there was an area where you could have your picture taken with a Chippendale or a real Las Vegas showgirl. I guess you could say I got a little out of control...

Dinner on Christmas Eve was at the steakhouse at the hotel. It was a quiet affair and the details will remain in Vegas. This evening is best left in the memories of the participants. More soon.