Need help for planning to attend to CGW (from Italy)

[ottantaventi]

I'm planning to attend to CGW4 in July and I'm trying to find the best fit to my small budget and my overbooked calendar, so I've a few questions.

I'm living in Italy so I want to know from previous european alumni if it is enough to get rid of the JET LAG if I arrive thursday in the evening ?

Another option would be to arrive in the morning of the thursday. Would that SIGNIFICANTLY be better for the jet lag and maybe even for socializing with other attendees ?

Next question is ACCOMODATION. I'm searching for a solution on the chaeper side, it's enough if the rooms are decently clean and silent, i don't need any fancy comfort. I even don't mind a 20+ minute walk to the Workshop location. Any suggestion ?

Last question is FOOD: I eat to 90 % vegan and love fresh fruit. How much do I approximately have to plan to spend for lunch and dinner ?
For example, how much costs the buffet of the Flamingo ?

thanks in advance

ciao
alexander

[ssandra]

About the jetlag, from my experience the jetlag from Europe to US is minimal, just make sure you drink enough water, no alcohol and stay right away in the right time zone.

On the way back you might have more problems...

[Bing Wu]

Okay, let me tackle questions 2 & 3.

A cheap option nearby is the Imperial Palace. It's next door, and you may get away with staying for $200-300 for the duration of the workshop. If the reviews of that place scare you, consider also Bill's Gamblin' Hall, it's nicer but still on the cheap side. You could also stay further north on the strip (Circus Circus, Riviera, Stratosphere), but you're getting into 45-60 minute walks.

The Flamingo Buffet costs $21+tax+tip, so budget $25, but I remember they have an all-day pass for <$40+tax+tips.

You may be better off going to Whole Foods during the lunches (hitch a ride with somebody), or make a big strip at the beginning of your stay and stock up on fruit.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by ottantaventi

Next question is ACCOMODATION. I'm searching for a solution on the chaeper side, it's enough if the rooms are decently clean and silent, i don't need any fancy comfort. I even don't mind a 20+ minute walk to the Workshop location. Any suggestion ?

Last question is FOOD: I eat to 90 % vegan and love fresh fruit. How much do I approximately have to plan to spend for lunch and dinner ?
For example, how much costs the buffet of the Flamingo ?

I stayed at the Imperial Palace all three times I attended the workshop and found it to be decent overall. It is the cheapest option within immediate proximity to the conference. This most recent trip I booked a room in the Capri which is their cheapest option and upgraded immediately when I realized how poor the location was--I don't like looking out the window to see cement walls motel style. You are coming a long way so just be sure to balance your comfort considerations with cost. For $15 a night more, I was located to a much nicer room with a balcony and a view of the pool. I recommend booking directly with the hotel and not through a site such as Expedia because you have more rights and privileges to make changes including cancellations if you are giving the hotel your direct business.

As for diet--there are many groups that form to go all over the place. I am not a fan of the area buffets--sure they have a lot of fruit, but some of that comes from a can and also while it might sound like a good idea to get the all-day eating pass, keep in mind that you may feel torn between getting the most value out of your pass over a 24 hour period and having the flexibility to share meals with your new friends! In my opinion, it is better to plan on stocking up at Whole Foods and eat there as well because then you will achieve dietary and social flexibility objectives. The Whole Foods has many healthy vegan options including a juice bar and many workshoppers go there. Also--just an FYI, when I stay at the Imperial Palace, I get e refrigerator at no cost because they provide it free if you have a medical need for it. My probiotic that take daily needs to be kept cool! That also helps a great deal with having good foods around

Note that when you register for the workshop, you will get a guide that provides you with more information about area restaurants and booking a room as well as valuable information on how to prepare for the workshop.

Good Luck!

Sonya