I am SO money, & I know it...

I arrived in Las Vegas at around 2am, following a 14 hour bus journey from Santa Cruz, so I checked into my Hotel & then went straight to bed! Hotels in Vegas are cheaper (if you can call it "cheap" - with the current exchange rate) than the hostels I have been staying in. This is due to the Hotels housing Casinos, in which they would like you to part with your cash, so you are enticed by cheap food & accommodation.

On my first day in Vegas I walked the length of the famous strip, on both sides, checking out the huge diversity of themes for Casinos. Vegas is more family orientated than it used to be (as portrayed in many Hollywood movies), as there are plenty of non-gambling attractions; rollercoasters, cinemas, guided tours, & hundreds of various shows. The most notable Casinos were the Bellagio, MGM Grand (pic below left), New York New York (pic below right), & Caesars Palace.

After my walk I decided to buy beers & a pack of cards, before heading back to my room to chill - & get in some much needed practice at Blackjack, with the intention of hitting the Casinos later that night.

Having consumed the beers (chilled by ice in the sink - a classic touch) I headed out to get some cash & go play some cards. It happened again...all of my cards had been blocked. I tried various ATMs before accepting defeat, having a few pints, then retreating to my hotel room to bed. Maybe that was a sign...I have always felt I have no place when it comes to the gambling game!

The next day, having resolved the bank issues, I headed out to play some Blackjack. Having never gambled (or placed a bet in my life) I decided not to make a fool of myself at one of the more renowned Casinos, so I headed off to "Hooters"

Incidentally, this was my first visit to a Hooters too...I had to tick that one off whilst in N.America! I sat down at the $3 Blackjack table and changed up $80. Whilst at the tables you get served free drinks (yet again, they are getting your cash anyway, so they want you to be as comfortable, and intoxicated, as possible!), so I tucked into the Stellas. I started out rather well, hitting a couple of Blackjacks in the first 10mins - for which you win an additional 1/2 dollar coin...woooooooooo! After about 45mins I had nearly doubled my stack of chips - despite not knowing all of the rules! Needless to say, over the next hour or so I managed to go almost bust before getting back to $40. At which point I decided to cash in! It was an enjoyable experience, but not one I am in any hurry to repeat...I really am not a gambler...when in Rome though, eh?

The next day, whilst on the strip, I passed the Bellagio as the water fountains display started. It was very impressive. The fountains sent water dancing in all directions, in time to the music (an old Broadway number). The climax of the song result in all fountains shooting a vast amount of water higher than the Casino/Hotel itself. Definitely worth a watch!

On my last night in Vegas I bought a ticket for the Cirque Du Soleil - for $75! Not cheap, but cheaper than a trip to the Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon (over $350 combined) - that excursion will have to wait for another trip! The show I saw was called "Zumanity," which was described as the sensual side of Cirque Du Soleil. The show was very impressive - the expected amazing acrobatics, just with a lot fewer clothes. There was also a variety of different acts over the two hours, including some slapstick standup comedy interacting with the crowd. I would strongly recommend the show to all (over 18, of course), as it was very enjoyable.

Having finished my brief stay in Vegas it was time to return to California. I had just enough time to make one more stop before LA...San Diego.

I am SO money, & I know it...

Las Vegas, United States