Planning...

I recently ordered a Christmas tree (for $40),  as soon as we got it Matt was opening the box ready to put it up.  I had to explain to him it was too early for the tree to go up.  It's a funny learning experience, because he knows nothing about Christmas trees.  I even had to explain to him we will have to purchase decorations for the tree, which he questioned (he's very...frugal).  So I'm hoping to start a tradition of putting up the tree after Thanksgiving...but now I will have to explain to him why we have Thanksgiving dinner.  Which I am trying to plan.  It's only two of us, so I'm thinking of doing something smaller like cornish game hen. But considering who I married, I could give him McDonald's and KFC chicken and he would be happy.  I questioned why he loved KFC so much (because I hate it) and his response was "we don't have it in Iran, in the US you can get 10 pieces of chicken for $10"...I guess he is living the American dream...and not gaining a single pound...I really hate him for that :)


On to travel news, we have booked the hotel for Las Vegas.  Because we live pretty close to Vegas (by my travel standards) we decided to go with a cheaper place.  After some searching and suggestions, we went with Imperial Palace. 

 

I have been warned that the rooms are dated, but we are going to do some sightseeing and not spend all day in the hotel.  Keep in mind, I've stayed in hostels and some pretty questionable hotels before, so a "dated" room doesn't bother me...as long as it's clean.  

I am still researching for things to do.  Our plan is to get up early and drive to the Grand Canyon, do the tourist thing and then drive over to Vegas.  I have a pretty long list thing to see and do, such as the Belliago buffet, fountains and conservatory, fremont street, Ceaser's forum shop, checking out the gondolas in the Venetian, etc.   I'm pretty excited because this will be our first vacation in the US.  

In other planning, I met up with my meetup.com group today and we are planning a cruise to Mexico.  I really enjoy meeting up with women who love to travel.  But I'm so humbled because I'm the "well-seasoned" traveler of the group.  I never really thought much of my travel but when I think about it, I really have seen a lot.  Maybe because it's second nature for me. What I like about the group is that everyone wants to see the world and have that desire to travel, even if it's a small trip in Phoenix.  I'm pretty excited about what the group will do next.