Vegas #2

Our final day in Vegas, but plenty still left to do. We took the elevator up the Stratosphere tower (the largest observation tower in Western USA) to the 107th floor, where we were able to see Vegas in all of its glory!

Admiring the strip as they call it from a distance was great, as well as the views of the surrounding landscape (mountains, desert etc).

Deciding we'd go take a peek at the "Stratosphere Theme Park", 3 rides based above the observation deck. Names like Big Shot, Insanity and X-scream are sure to scare the hell out of you, even before seeing them up close!

First, Big Shot - shoots you up to the top of the tower - 4 G's....the tamest ride of them all! Then Insanity - like the old Hurricane back home, except you are hung over the side of the tower - slanted downwards, spinning around and around.....not for me....thanks!

Lastly X-scream - one that neither of us would/could do. A small car - roller coaster like is on a platform, that is tilted off the edge of the building at a 45 degree angle (first time). The ride hammers towards the edge, before pulling up quickly - screams filling the air!!! Then it continues to rock back and forth, with the angle increasing more each time......with the front of the car almost facing straight down.....not my type of ride!!

After admiring the many sick individuals / thrill seekers, we headed back down the strip - to the Flamingo casino (yep, they have real flamingos!), which was painted throughout the interior bright pink......

Heading across the street we watched a "day show" at the Bellagio - the spectacular fountains, before wandering through the Mirage, then on to Treasure Island.

It was nearly time to head back to the Stratosphere, to ready ourselves for the "night flight".....hopefully will get some sleep. At least we've been productive in the airport....we've done the last 3 blog postings....YAY!!

Our trip has finally come to an end, however, we had an amazing time and look forward to the next chapter....WORK......then the Chinners, Ruth, Andrea, Brownlee & Breeny arrive....so October won't be that far away....SCARY!

Vegas baby!!!

After a wonderful buffet breakfast at the Stratosphere, we jumped on the Deuce – a cheap bus that takes tourists from casino to casino along the strip (beats walking in 40 degree heat!). A short ride and we found ourselves at Mandalay Bay – admiring the wonderful pools and attractions. Wandering through the casino, we moved on to the Excalibur – where knights and maidens roam – jousting every night at 7pm.

Continuing on our stroll we found the Luxor – a gigantic pyramid. Inside tombs and statues filled the spaces. After a few quick photos and a drink, we moved on to New York New York. From the outside all the attractions were there – Chrysler building, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State, Lady Liberty and a massive roller coaster that weaved itself around the buildings – random, but Vegas!

We then headed over to the MGM grand. We wandered around for a while then next minute we were standing in front of a lion habitat – in the middle of the Casino. Again Random. The lions were so cute. After the lions, we found CBS (television station) a part of it in the MGM. They were offering people to watch a new TV show and rate it. We watched a show called ‘The Mentalist’ (what a crap name- we weren’t happy either but it was quite a good show. Similar to NYPD or CSI but with a funny twist. Simon Baker (YAY Aussie) is in it. Afterwards we then headed to the Caesars for a drink.
Walking back down the strip we headed into the Venetian- the buildings were beautiful- much like you would see in Europe. Inside there were lots of shops- in the middle- a smaller river running through it- with Gondala’s that people can ride. The staff steering the boat were also singing as they rowed along. So beautiful!!!

We then walked most of the way home. Grabbed our bathers and had a cool down in the pool. It was nice to get some relief from the hot weather. As we were swimming (8th floor outdoor pool), we were watching the crazy rides on the top of the stratosphere.
After our cool down, we headed back down the strip- to Treasure Island. We went to a buffet for dinner (there are buffet’s everywhere here). It was an amazing buffet- not only can you take food that is there-sushi, American, asian, Italian but you could also have a salad or pasta made for you. YUM! The deserts were amazing.

With our full bellies we headed for Caesars Palace- we walked into the shopping mall- again the building and all of the features were amazing. We saw escalators- that turned (like a winding staircase). Very cool. We walked along the stores then came to what the called ‘The Fall of Atlantis Fountain and Aquarium ’ where there was an aquarium with a range of fish, rays and sharks. Then we watched a show ‘the fall of Atlantis- that had fire and water features as well as moving statues all in the fountain.

After the show, we headed to the Bellagio- where we watched an amazing water show which included 1000 fountains that moved in a number of directions, swirling and shooting high, creating wonderful visual patterns, all in time with music. It was so beautiful. These fountains were seen in the final scene of Ocean’s 11.

We then headed back to our hotel where Kate bought a ‘yard glass’ full of strawberry Daiquiri and Brett had a few Coronas. We wandered the hotel and played the pokies. It was a huge day but we really loved Vegas, both in the day and night!!

Grand Canyon!!!!

5:30 am, the alarm sounds, waking us for a very long and scenic day. The shuttle arrived to take us to the coach, which we were to board for the Grand Canyon / Hoover Dam.

Our driver Ron, tried his hardest to entertain the tough “Vegas” crowd, but at 6:00 in the morning, he was struggling for form, even though he was the funniest tour operator we’ve had thus far!

After a short drive, we arrived at Hoover Dam. First the sheriff entered the coach to ensure there were firearms or security breaches, then it was time to cross the dam (as we’ve seen in Transformers, Charlies Angels etc). Luckily for us we were able to see this magnificent structure that was built in the 1930’s, as the US Government is shutting down all traffic & tourism ventures into the venue in the next two years due to security concerns / issues (a new bypass will open in 2010).

2 hours quickly passed as we were admiring the Mojave desert, we finally arrived for our luncheon – an American style buffet at the Grand Canyon Rail Station.

Off on the bus again for another 2 hours, before a raucous cheer erupted, signalling our entry into the Grand Canyon – one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. This magnificent canyon cannot be described in words, nor do photos do it justice. It has to be seen to be believed! Breathtaking!!! The height, the width, the colours, were amazing. Kate and I both spent considerable time “snapping photos” as well as admiring the scenery before us! Our group was fortunate to have more time than usual in the canyon, giving us many opportunities to soak it all in.

After a several hours spent gazing, admiring and taking it all in at a couple of different drop off points on the South Rim Tour we boarded the bus again, heading back towards Hoover Dam, ready to take in the “lit up” version! Watching the sun set as we drove home was fantastic, as the west coast provides wonderful red/orange sunsets (reminding us of home), before hitting the Vegas from a height, taking in all the bright neon lights, with each Casino standing out with individuality.

Note – some silly things we saw - Independence Day & Star Wars were filmed in the desert we passed.

- We travelled along Route 66

- Passed a number of celebrities homes (Nicole Kidman, Barbara Streisand)

- Saw Elk wandering the desert / national park