Vegas!

Hello Fine Trip 4 Followers,


Viva Las Vegas!!! Upon arrival we unloaded the bus and took a great group picture at the famous “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas” sign. As soon as we got off the bus, the heat of more than 100 degrees hit us, and we knew we really were in the dessert. “It’s amazing that they built this whole city in a dessert,” said Vito. However, we were able to cool off right away at our hotel, The Mote Carlo, which had a pool, lazy river, and wave pool. Dinner was family style Italian with homemade marinara and chicken parm at Bucca di Peppo.

With full bellies, we headed to the the Stratosphere to enjoy the thrilling rides at the top. The two rides rides we went on were called X Scream and Insanity. X Scream was a roller coaster-like cart which jolted you forward to seemingly plunge off the building into the sea of lights on the strip. Insanity slowly brought trip 4 members out over the city, and then spun us around in circles with an amazing and thrilling view. Ally H and Brenna almost didn’t go because it was so high up, but they were so happy she decided to do it! Trip 4 members also enjoyed a photo taking opportunity in the observatory level of the Stratosphere. “The view from the top was unreal,” exclaimed Samantha.

We continued with the Italian theme and visited the Venetian hotel. It was a realistic rendition of the Venice canal (as our Italians Vito and Cami vouched for) including gondolas and Venitian buildings. It even seemed like you were outside with a blue and cloud ceiling above your head. Judi and Anna sampled gelato on at the “street” stand like true Italians. The night ended with the fabulous fountain show at the Bellagio where the water and lights danced to music. “The fountain was synchronized perfectly to music, I got it all on video,” smiled Deena.

The sleep-in at the Monte Carlo was great, followed by a brunch complete with crab legs, shrimp cocktail, fruit, Chinese food, and cheesecake. Our trip to to Ceasar’s Palace and the Forum Shops was impressive. We viewed a model of the Trevi fountain and another fountain where some trip members viewed a show of Greek god and goddess statues coming to life and battling for supreme power. And Sam K was excited to say hi to baseball great Pete Rose who was signing autographs.

We also enjoyed the New York, New York hotel where Alec, Jerry, Dan, and Sam Rode the roller coaster on the roof of the building. “We did a 180 degree barrel roll into a loop-it was sick,” said Sam K. And we went to M and M world where Camille, Jessi B, Olivia, Deena modeled great boxer shorts and took photos with the Coca Cola Bear. Ryan found some M and M souvineer guitar picks. At Game Works Josh and Jerry rocked out on Rock Band. Walking back on the strip we marveled at the lights one last time!

Again, let’s end this email with THE trip 4 cheer …


“I, 2, 3 … TRIP 4!”



Talk to you soon!

Your Trip 4 leaders

Jared, Jessica, Paige, Ditty, and Caitlin