Las Vegas 2025












My major trip this year was to Las Vegas, Nevada, to see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.

We stayed at the Venetian hotel and resort, built over three years from 1996 to 1999. It features a grand canal and re-creation of St. Mark's square in Venice Italy. Here is a property map:



Expenses were significant, notably the food. For example, one breakfast at Johnny Rockets in the food court at the Venetian cost us nearly $66, including $8.58 for a mandatory tip.


Donuts at Donutique inside Venetian were marginal. This was billed as a "WOW" place on the Internet.

Major meal at Trattoria Reggiano was a disaster. I've had better Italian at the Olive  
Garden. Wait staff kept looking at us like Dawn and I were crazy for sending back burnt chicken parmigan.

Should have just bought some "to-goes" in one of the markets in St. Mark's square and took it back to our room.

Scooter rental went off without a hitch, and Sphere staff took me direct to my seat.

Flight back to Chicago was fine as well as Van Galder bus to Madison.

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