The Odd and the Beautiful

From the sublime...

Vegas is sort of like the Bizzarro Disneyland. This is where subtlety comes to die. Still, there's some absolutely grand, overripe beauty everywhere you look (and I'm not talking about the women with melon boobs and trout pout). Everything, whether good or bad is overdone, fantastical.

One of my favorite places to visit is the conservatory at the Bellagio. They totally redecorate it every season, and right now it's set up to celebrate the Chinese New Year (February 14, Year of the Tiger). The display is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Topiary pandas.

At the new Crystals/City Center complex, very few shops are open and some bits are still under construction. From the outside, it's a very futuristic scape.
The Henry Moore sculpture fits right in.

Diver hand feeding a manta ray in the giant aquarium at Caesar's.

to the surreal...
Our first night, we were enjoying a late dinner at the Daniel Boulud Brasserie, which overlooks the waterfall area at the Wynn. Periodically there are various light shows that feature very Vegas-y imagery against the waterfall wall and on the water. I looked up at one point, and a giant animatronic frog had appeared at the top of the wall. The music switched over to "Low Rider" by War, and the frog commenced to sing to the music, roll his eyes and rock back and forth with the beat. Very fun and whimsical, and I'm sorry I didn't check my snap at the time or I would've noticed his big rolly eyes were closed, apparently caught mid-blink.

Below, from the Crysals mall, this is some sort of lounge area. I'm not sure if they intentionally designed it to look like a giant blowdryer.

Most of the slot machines have some sort of theme. Above was one of the odder ones.

I almost got a shot of Mr. Silver Man smoking a cigarette and drinking a 7-Up, but as soon as he saw me fumbling for my camera, he got back in character. Yes, I gave him a tip.

Best. Signage. Ever.

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