Day 10 Evening in Vegas

We checked into the Tropicana. It's about a half-step above Circus Circus, but in a much better location-across from MGM and Excalibur. The room was really far away from the casino floor. I was so tired that I just stayed in the room until it was time to leave for Tony 'n Tina's Wedding. I was too lazy to go out and return.

We were late. I told the kids that everything is further apart than it looks in Las Vegas. We got to Planet Hollywood, and had to run everyone up and into line. Cast members came through the line and chatted a bit. We had a group photo, then were shown to our 4 tables. We had 2 rounds and 2 long banquet tables, just like a reception hall. We tried to explain the concept to the kids, but many didn't understand until the cast interacted with them.

Tony 'n Tina's Wedding is an interactive musical. We were 'guests' at their Italian wedding and reception. Tina's mom hates Tony's dad, and tried to set up her gay son with some of our girls who were over 18. Tony talked to the kids about his white tux. Tony's father's stripper girlfriend tried to convince a few of our boys to come to her strip club after the reception. The knocked up maid of honor came over to complain about the best man. The bridesmaid was angry that she wasn't maid of honor. The ambiguous sex wedding photographer (Think Pat) took photos, and so on. The MC came to tell me the bar was open, to make a run for it once the kids were seated.

The 'wedding' was performed by a priest who got drunk during the reception. I talked with him, the best man, the stripper, MC, maid of honor, and Tony's mom. They all asked about the kids, where they were from, where had they been, the trip, number of chaperones, etc. Tony's mom told me she couldn't believe I volunteered my time for this trip or Youth Exchange, but by the end of the show she came to me, and told me the kids were really sweet, and she completely understood why I do it.

The reception had a wedding singer who encouraged the kids to dance. They weren't sure at first, then really got into it. They even did the chicken dance. They danced to many exchange student faves including 'YMCA.' One of our girls caught the bouquet, and one of the boys grabbed the garter. They had the kids lead a conga line, and lined up the girls for a Rockette danceline. I think the cast was happy to have an enthusiastic audience. They even pulled me in to dance during the wedding party dance.

The show included an Italian buffet, and Tony's father encouraged the kids to take seconds so Tina's mom would have to pay more. The food was good, and the kids enjoyed it. We even had wedding cake after the bride and groom smushed cake in each other's faces.

After the show, a couple from the UK came to me to say they never saw a student group that 'behaved so well.' With their accent, I wasn't certain if the wife said 'well' or 'wild.' They were very complimentary, as was the cast.

After the show, the students had 2 free hours to shop, then their limo ride. Roomie and I were so tired we tagged along for a ride back to our hotel. The kids had 2 limos, they were huge Ford truck-like vehicles.

It was a good night after a wild day. I received many 'thank yous' from the students for the show and limo.