Monday, 17 August 2009
Trek Day 20
First things first... Following up from yesterday, the Passport was found and handed in at the bar. Drama over. Everyone can travel home with full documentation.
Well, today, my last full day of the tour started late. After a late night last night I took a lie and enjoyed my queen-size bed.
With Internet at $14.99 per day, I'd not taken it up yesterday but activated it this morning instead. With two blog entries uploaded and emails checked, I called home to catch up on news before getting ready for a stroll along The Strip.
Las Vegas is calmer by day, and I was surprised at how peaceful it was as I left my hotel. The crowds gradually appeared as the day went on and as I reached the middle of the strip, but it was nothing compared to the night-life.
I spent the day snapping photos and wandering aimlessly through high-end shopping malls at several of the casinos. I walked as far as the Wynn Encore about 2 miles from the Luxor before turning around and heading back. It was a great way to spend a few hours though it did mean I had a scant 20 minutes to get ready for dinner and an evening out.
Best Leader, Ever
We had Chinese for dinner and the restaurant kindly set us up with a private dining room which was a nice way to have our last dinner together. We also filled in our feedback forms for Kate.
I gave Kate heartfelt "Excellent" scores across the board. I think she has been wonderful from beginning to end and am sincerely impressed with her knowledge, preparation, thoughtfulness, tolerant, fun, unshakable attitude through 3 weeks of sometimes challenging conditions. She's a lovely person and with a less professional and kind leader, I may not have completed the Trek. I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I have.
Free Shows
My first stop after dinner was Hooters hotel and casino. Frankly I wasn't impressed with either the venue or the staff. All in all, it was pretty flat... if you catch my drift.
I bailed after one diet coke and took a taxi to the other end of the strip to take in a couple of free shows. First was the Volcano in front of the Mirage. I didn't get a very good spot, but the eruption looked pretty cool.
Next was Sirens Cove at Treasure Island. This was more spectacular, with moving, and sinking ships, fireworks, fireballs and scantily clad dancing girls. It was pretty cheesy, but typically Vegas, so I'm glad I grabbed a good viewpoint and stayed for the show.
I'd met up with some of the group now and we took a cab back to the bar where we went last night. As few drinks then I headed back to the hotel to pack.
Last day in the van tomorrow takes us across the dessert to La La Land.
Goodnight.
Stats - Day Twenty Four
Distance travelled (as the crow flies) - 0 - stayed at The Luxor Hotel and Casino, NV.
State count - 15 + DC
No cirque du soleil shows then, eh? That's too bad. We saw "Love" the last time I was in Vegas... Absolutely amazing. Worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteVegas is a completely different city during the day. I'm usually there on business, so I'm busy at tradeshows during the day. The few times I'm able to pop out and check out the city, though, I'm amazed at how 'normal' it seems.
That all changes when the sun goes down, though! ;)