As soon as I woke today I went to the window and pulled back the curtain. Driving into Stovepipe wells in the darkness of the night meant this was our first sight of the place. The view was amazing. We really were in a desert valley between the mountains. Such a desolate place.
We wandered up to an American buffet brekkie in the restaurant before checking out and hitting the road.
We weren't in the car long however, before we hit our first stop - the wonderful Mesquite Sand Dunes. Its a pretty amazing climatic and geographical marvel. The whispy dunes made for some good photos too.
The surprising thing was how cold it was in the desert, particularly in the day, and it only got colder at our next stop, Dantes View. After driving a little over an hour through the valley below sea level, we wound our way up in to the mountains. From here we had an amazing view of the lowest point in the US and the highest point on the bottom 48 states. Was pretty cool, snow capped mountains, sandy deserts and salt lakes. Quite a weird place.
We then drove back down and made our way across the desert over the border and into Nevada. In a matter of hours we were in Las Vegas. We drove in to the city around lunchtime. It's such a weird place to drive in to. Coming down over the hills you first see the huge buildings of the strip, clustered in a vast desert. So strange.
It only got stranger from there. Vegas is a weird and wonderful place. We checked into our hotel, we were staying at the Luxor. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by gaming tables and pokies. Its actually hard finding where ya need to check in.
We were then greeted by a guy who asked us if we were married, twe replied no. Then asked whether we were a couple. He then suggested a few good chapels if we were interested. Then a lady asked us if we were planning on seeing any shows. Sim said yes, she replied with a spiel about discounted tickets, and that all we had to do was give our details and be over 25. Unfortunately or rather fortunately I think, Sim ain't quite 25 yet. The woman dropped us like a hat. "thanks-enjoy Vegas". So funny. All this within two minutes of walkin into the place.
The Luxor is the Casino built as a pyramid with an Egyptian theme. Our room had a great view out the window -- to the sphinx's arse. The inside of the hotel/ casino is so dark. It's kinda like the senate building in the new Star Wars movies.
We then strolled up the strip, dumbfounded by the craziness. Mini new York cities, huge casinos built like Disneyland castle, then there is the new City Centre buildings. Crazy Liebskind buildings. All the famous sights were there, MGM, Paris' mini Eiffel Tower, the Hard Rick Cafe guitar. Nuts!
We made our way to the Bellagio, where we met up with my ol uni mates, Matt and Ross. Was good to see some familiar faces. We had some beers out the front of Ceasars Palace and shared travel stories. We walked the strip some more, ducking in and out if casinos for a look at what they each were like, before we stopped for some more drinks. Dinner was a quintessential Las Vegas Buffet at the Bellagio. I was overly impressed by the food but then again you're paying forth variety I guess.
We didn't really feel like gambling to be honest, we were all pretty tired by now. It's quite tiring walking the Vegas Strip. Bloody far!
Heading back to the Luxor was pretty cool, at night the top of the pyramid emits a strong light blue ray of light high up into the sky. It's quite impressive!
I see the appeal of Vegas, though I must say, it's not my favorite place thus far.
- Blog from iMat
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