Vegas, Baby!

Sunday, 16 August 2009

Trek Day 19

We left Zion after a generous lie-in and started the short, but aesthetically stunning trip to Las Vegas. We made no stops on the way, save for gas, lunch and a photo opportunity at the Nevada state line, but we did get a great view of the Mohave dessert, including some Joshua Trees. They are not actually trees, but are part to the Yuka family and are unique to the Mohave.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

Vegas loomed over the horizon as we approached from the east with the tower of the Stratosphere Casino Hotel dominating. As we got closer, the city resolved from mirage into gaudy, saucy reality and we arrived at The Strip. The extravagantly modelled hotels, casinos and bars dominate completely and stand-outs for me were Caesar's Palace, The Bellagio and New York, New York.

At the far end of the strip is our hotel, The Luxor. It's the giant black glass pyramid with the huge spot light shining upwards from the peak after dark. Our group however is staying in the more conventionally shaped West Tower. I guess we're not missing much except a sloping window and potential bump on the head.

First Impressions

Though warmer than my feelings for New Orleans, part of me was worried I'd not like Vegas, though this sense of doubt was largely fuelled by talk amongst my group of getting completely smashed.

We checked in (eventually, after 45 minutes of administrative nonsense) and, as luck would have it, I've got a room to myself.

I took my time getting ready, and unpacked all my bags so I can repack and consolidate all my small bags when I leave and head for LA and the open road.

Dinner was at the all you can eat buffet in our hotel. Kate was fidgety and kept disappearing. Our suspicions of what was on her were confirmed when we left the hotel and were ushered to our stretch Hummer Limo. We climbed in, champagne was distributed plus a Snapple Ice Tea for me (thanks Kate, you've the best!) and the R&B hits boomed from the sound system.

Anywhere but Las Vegas I'd have hated this, but cruising down the strip this hideous excess seemed to be just right. Again, Jenny, one of my Trek-mates reached out the hand of genuine friendship and helped me let myself go and roll with it. She's done this a few times and I really do appreciate it.

We made a couple of stops on the tour, first at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign and then at the world's largest video screen above the street at Fremont Street. I'd been told about the video screen and it's very impressive, though it's a shame that the presentation we saw was a "remember 1969" themed video montage over American Pie. It was nice, but I wanted to see jet planes and space ships.

Fountains

The limousine ride ended at The Bellagio where we wandered down to the fountains to wait for the next scheduled display. The fountains are magnificent and, as one of Kate's previous passengers told her, only in America would you find such mix of technology and artistry. The fountains dance, sway and blast skywards in perfect synchronisation with one of over 300 tunes.

It's quite lovely and are most closely comparable to a firework display. Both displays we stayed for were, appropriately enough, Frank Sinatra songs.

It is what it is...

By now, I was beginning to warm to Las Vegas. It's rude, loud and incredibly gaudy, but once you get used to it, it's OK. At least it isn't claiming to be anything other than a money machine powered by gambling, booze and lust.

We made our way to an outdoor bar, specifically chosen for it's fences which would allow our one passenger who is below 21 to hop over and gain entry without troubling the security guards who were checking everyone's ID... well, everyone except me apparently. I'm not offended, honest... sniff.

I continued my policy of embracing the situation and joined my fellow travellers by the stage where we rocked out the live band, The Crashers, who were banging out the rock classics. I particularly enjoyed letting rip to Living on a Prayer.

Tears (Not Mine) Before Bedtime

Sadly, the night ended prematurely for my gang as a lost passport meant heated discussions and tears for several of the group. I'll spare the details as it's not fair on those involved, but I hope the morning brings an amicable end to a rather nasty episode.

Now it's 3:30am and I'm back in my room having taken a cab back with some of the girls.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Three

Distance travelled (as the crow flies) - 143 - Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park, UT to The Luxor Hotel and Casino, NV.

States entered - Nevada

State count - 15 + DC