Las Vegas
On Monday we toured Zion National Park (photo above). The Virgin River flows through the Park beneath beautiful high red cliffs and crags. We went for a one and a half hour stroll along the riverbank and saw lots of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys and squirrels.
Then it was off to Las Vegas. After travelling through the desert for a couple of hours we suddenly came across the city. It is set in such a barren place and is like a glittering oasis. The ‘strip’ is an amazing avenue of huge hotels each of which has a massive casino inside. Many seem to be little more than Casinos with hotel accommodation, but some have remarkable features that reflect their themes. One of the first we went into was the Paris. Outside is a half sized exact replica of the Eiffel Tower (above), which is cool enough in itself. But inside the casino area is surrounded by Parisian streets full of shops, and a painted blue, partly clouded sky with the light level equivalent to early sunset. The setting is so realistic that when we first entered we thought momentarily that we were still outside! The Venetian had the same concept based on the streets of Venice, and included a canal on which you could take gondola rides through the shopping area. Bellagios was also very impressive with its ceiling and displays in magnificent glass sculptures and a garden and aviary with real birds inside. (Bellagio's water fountain display above right) The Mirage featured dolphins, and the MGM had lions. Talk about luring in the tourists!! Whilst in Vegas we went to the most recent Cirque de Soleil show, Mystere. It was a stunning show, and we even have a souvenir photo (at the “cheap” price of only $44) to prove it!! The choreography and staging was incredible, and as always the cast were wonderfully strong and skilful acrobats. After the show we were lucky enough the catch some of the free entertainment provided by the hotels on the strip, including the pirate show at Treasure Island and the Volcano at the Mirage. All in all the whole experience was terrific.
Everyone seems to be after your money. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel, and there was neither a fridge nor coffee/tea making facilities to be found. You want a cuppa, then you go down to the coffee shop and pay us $4 to get one. Also in most places we have been getting free wifi, but at the Hilton it was $14 for a 24 hour useage. Sue got back at them – she went to pay “the slots” (poker machines to you guys), and came back to the room with a $150 dollar profit. Fancy gambling in Las Vegas and winning!! That more than paid for the extra tea and coffee that Phil had to have!!
On Monday we toured Zion National Park (photo above). The Virgin River flows through the Park beneath beautiful high red cliffs and crags. We went for a one and a half hour stroll along the riverbank and saw lots of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys and squirrels.
Then it was off to Las Vegas. After travelling through the desert for a couple of hours we suddenly came across the city. It is set in such a barren place and is like a glittering oasis. The ‘strip’ is an amazing avenue of huge hotels each of which has a massive casino inside. Many seem to be little more than Casinos with hotel accommodation, but some have remarkable features that reflect their themes. One of the first we went into was the Paris. Outside is a half sized exact replica of the Eiffel Tower (above), which is cool enough in itself. But inside the casino area is surrounded by Parisian streets full of shops, and a painted blue, partly clouded sky with the light level equivalent to early sunset. The setting is so realistic that when we first entered we thought momentarily that we were still outside! The Venetian had the same concept based on the streets of Venice, and included a canal on which you could take gondola rides through the shopping area. Bellagios was also very impressive with its ceiling and displays in magnificent glass sculptures and a garden and aviary with real birds inside. (Bellagio's water fountain display above right) The Mirage featured dolphins, and the MGM had lions. Talk about luring in the tourists!! Whilst in Vegas we went to the most recent Cirque de Soleil show, Mystere. It was a stunning show, and we even have a souvenir photo (at the “cheap” price of only $44) to prove it!! The choreography and staging was incredible, and as always the cast were wonderfully strong and skilful acrobats. After the show we were lucky enough the catch some of the free entertainment provided by the hotels on the strip, including the pirate show at Treasure Island and the Volcano at the Mirage. All in all the whole experience was terrific.
Everyone seems to be after your money. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel, and there was neither a fridge nor coffee/tea making facilities to be found. You want a cuppa, then you go down to the coffee shop and pay us $4 to get one. Also in most places we have been getting free wifi, but at the Hilton it was $14 for a 24 hour useage. Sue got back at them – she went to pay “the slots” (poker machines to you guys), and came back to the room with a $150 dollar profit. Fancy gambling in Las Vegas and winning!! That more than paid for the extra tea and coffee that Phil had to have!!
The strip is amazing ... and I'm sure that it is even better than when we saw it 20 odd (gosh it it that long?) ago.
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