And I think it's gonna be a long long time

Today was our last full day in Vegas, and, for Jen at least, the raison d'être for our trip:  Sir Elton.  We started with a trek to the Luxor to view the permanent Titanic exhibit that has been housed there since 2008.  We were surprised, pleasantly, by it; we were expecting a few odds and ends stuffed into curio cabinets and were instead treated to an extensive multi-room exhibition that was well-curated and portrayed with thoughtfulness and dignity to the tragedy and the people involved.

After a quick luncheon in the food court, Jen and I made our way back. Eric and Dominae opted to cab back, as Eric was not feeling well.  This was the first sign of the sickness that would eventually affect us all in the aftermath of our travels and still lingers even as I write this a week later.

Eric's unwell state would prevent he and Dominae from joining us later for dinner at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill just before the concert. Jen and I went alone, and enjoyed it eve as we missed the company of our friends.  However, they would find us later at our seats in the Coliseum where Elton John would soon be regaling us with countless songs on his piano.

Finally, the concert. It was incredible. I wasn't sure what to expect, really. I enjoy Elton John's music, but I wouldn't call myself a devoted fan.  However, I was blown away by his playing and voice, and his humor, often self-deprecating. Wonderful.

The Scotch Drank Round the World

Today the agenda consisted of brunch and shopping at the Venetian, a short rest, whisky tasting, then dinner at José Andrés' Bazaar Meats.

The walk from the Cosmopolitan to the Venetian was brisk and refreshing.  The weather has been unusually cold all week, around 50F for the trek.  Then it was brunch at the Bouchon, Thomas Keller's French bistro.  The Croque Madam was fantastic, though there were way too many pomme frites for one man to consume.

After that, our intrepid foursome braved the Grand Canal Shoppes.  Bauman Rare Books was unbelievable,both in terms of their inventory and the prices of same.  Still, it was great fun to browse; Dominae was quite taken with the limited first edition Moby Dick.

After a short break back at the hotel, Eric and I set out to Whisky Attic to partake of their considerable storehouse of booze and learn a thing or two about whiskies.  It was educational ,fun,and perhaps a wee bit intoxicating.  Particularly revelatory was the method of tasting and ensuring the palate was engaged with the spirit.

Another short rest and dinner was upon us.  This was to be the centerpiece of the culinary aspect of this vacation, and it did not disappoint.

Noodles and Oyoroi

The day started with a visit to the Bellagio for lunch at Noodles.  It did not disappoint.  Barbecue pork Ho Fun noodles... yum.

After lunch, Jen, Eric, Dominae, and I headed to the exhibit of samurai armor hosted by the Bellagio.  The pieces were absolutely amazing; the artistry of their design, attention to every last detail, and the remarkable restoration efforts yielded a remarkable experience of Japanese culture.