cfguy

Just a few quick tips on Adobe MAX 2006, from a Vegas veteran. :)

• Check out the monorail.  It's reasonable ($10 per day) and will get you all over the place.
• If you like table games (BlackJack, etc.) but don't like playing $15 per hand, take the rail down to The Sahara.  They have $3 BlackJack tables 24-7.  It's an old place, but they've just finished remodeling, so it's not bad, and the dealers are friendly.
• If you're in one of the hotels near the Venetian, use the back entrances (parking garages, etc.).  The conference center is in the rear of the Venetian, and is quickly accessible from most nearby hotels.
• Mind the gap(s)!  If you take the rail somewhere and decide to do some walking, make sure you're not more than a mile from the next rail stop.  I took the rail down to the Sahara today, and walked back to Imperial Palace, and it took a long-ass time!  And there is NOTHING interesting between the Sahara and the Wynn, which is a couple blocks away from IP.
• Hawkers and Flickers.  The Hawkers are these nice people that usually open by asking if you're going to be here through tomorrow.  The Flickers are folks who snap cards with nudie pictures about 2 inches from you (waaaaay inside your personal space) when you're walking by.  The hawkers want to sell you a time share.  It's not a good deal, trust me.  If you want to buy a timeshare, get it on the resale market, people are giving them away.  The flickers want to sell you a hooker.  Not a good deal unless you have an affinity for exotic diseases.  Don't look either of them in the eye, pretend like they're not there.  If they sense any interest or curiosity on your part, they will figuratively (maybe literally too) hump your leg until you can shake them off and make a run for it.
• Things to see.  Yes, Las Vegas is a tourist town.  It's kitschy, and sometimes tacky.  There are also some legitimately awesome things to see and do here, too.  Here's my list of things that I think everyone who comes to Vegas should do:
• See the fountain show in front of the Bellagio.  Twice.  Once during the day and once after dark.  Eac show is amazing and spectacular in it's own way.  PRICE: FREE
• Have dinner in the Eiffel tower at Paris casino across the street from the Bellagio.  It's expensive, but if you go at night and palm the Maitre De 10 bucks, you can get a window seat overlooking the Bellagio Fountains, and kill two birds with one stone. The food is first class, and the view is stunning.  PRICE: $30-75 per person (worth every penny though - think of it as a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity)
• The architecture here is outstanding.  See New York, New York, The Venetian, The Wynn, and The Mirage, in particular, but if you have the time, walk the strip and visit them all! PRICE: FREE
• Free shows:  The Fountains at The Bellagio (see above), The Pirate Show at Treasure Island, The singing gondoliers inside the Venetian (near the turnaround in the canal), The Lions at the MGM, The Carnival In the Sky at Rio (There's a free shuttle from Harrah's), The Lion Exhibit at The Mirage. PRICE: FREE

That's all for now.  Let me know if I missed anything, and I will get this updated!