Las Vegas! Whatever anybody ever tells you, you've just got to go yourself to experience it. Some people say its tacky, others say I'm not into gambling so won't go, others simply love it but you've got to go at least once in your life to see it for yourself, whther you're into gambling or not. Where else can you see the New York Skyline over the road from the Eiffel Tower and just down the road from a pyramid?
Vegas totally exceeded my expectations. I was nervous about visiting this city. I was sure it wasn’t me – bright lights, late nights, busy streets, glitz, glamour, cheese and above all, casinos, just weren’t going to be my cup of tea. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Checking in at the Luxor (http://www.luxor.com/) I instantly felt at ease – the place was full of “normal” people and nobody was particularly over dressed. I was relieved my linen trousers and casual shirts would fit in here!
Once I’d breathed a sigh of relief I began to take in the surroundings – this wasn’t a hotel, it was another world! Men in suits drank cocktails in a posh bar with black leather seats, cars danced circles on revolving stands, huge Egyptian statues glared down from double story heights and people pumped money into row upon row of psycadelically lit slot machines. I had an insatiable urge to see more – this was a huge playground! It wasn’t just bars and casinos – there was so much more to see – concerts, cabarets, musicals, exhibitions and even the Professional Bull Riding World Finals. We were totally spoilt for choice.
We didn't stay long here but we had a busy 3 nights and 2 days here. It took me a while to get into the gambling, but free drinks whilst playing helped ease me in nicely and then I was hooked – 21, poker, Keno and roulette. I didn’t realise you could have so much fun sitting down! I was surprised how easy we could while away the hours just sitting tapping buttons at the slot machines – 3am wasn’t unusual for our stay here! We packed in the shows too, starting with an Elvis tribute - what else in Vegas?! Trent Carlini (http://www.thedreamking.com/) has dedicated his career to the King and he bought many incarnations of Elvis to the stage – black leather, GI uniform, Hawaiian shirts and glitzy bell bottoms in sparkly white. His crooked smile, manly swagger and signature hip swivels were Elvis to a tee and topped with the best of Elvis’s collection it was a night to remember – at times blurring the line between make believe and reality and concluding with a moving rendition of “My Way”. On our last night we took in another healthy dose of intoxicating hit music with the ABBA musical, Mamma Mia. A humorous storyline and a touch of slapstick comedy added to the lifting vibe and we were on our feet dancing for the finale. Real feel good, fun stuff and we came away vowing to repeat the experience in London.
The Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Finals were another unexpected find as we naively made our way to the Thomas and Mac Centre we found ourselves amid a throng of thousands of avid rodeo goers all set for an action-packed bull riding spectacular. Over 6 rounds, 45 of the worlds (mostly American!) best riders tried to outsmart best-in-the-business, mean, unpredictable 1 tonne bulls that bucked like Billy-o. It was a great show – thoroughly thrilling, heart in mouth entertainment and in a setting that contrasted wildly with the NT’s (Australia) Katharine! With all this, it’s hard to believe we found time to wander the “strip” and marvel at the creative genius of Vegas’ best theme-styled Hotel Casinos but you just have to as they are so amazing.
The grandeur of the Bellagio with its 8 acre lake (see photo above) and dancing fountains were mesmerizing and strangely moving, the shy painted ceilings and incredible indoor canal system of the Venetian (see photo below) would have been unbelievable anywhere other than Vegas, the MGM Grand – just that and New York, New York infuriatingly marvellous and even has a roller coaster running through it! Vegas was a whirlwind of excitement and entertainment. I was sad to leave and in a few short days had become quite attached to this bold, pulsating, crazy, funky and intoxicating universe. I was however totally knackered and not sure I could have managed another night anyway! It really has to be seen to be believed and to my utter amazement I actually loved it here, I will definitely be returning one day.
