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Travel Log #8Las Vegas |
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Across The Continent Towards the Bright Lights in the Desert On our way to Point Pelee National Park, we decided to pull into a little strip mall to pick up some food for our day of hiking. In the same plaza, we happened to notice a little travel agent’s office and stop in to check out what the daily specials were. Of course, we were not really planning any trip in particular, but wanted to do a bit of research for the site. Sure enough, we meet with the owner and have a nice chat about what affordable vacations exist for folks like us (that is, without much disposable income and plenty of student loans to speak of). That’s when the Las Vegas discussion began and I could tell that both Rob and I were getting pretty excited by what Cheryl was telling us. For about $450 or so per person (including medical insurance), if we were willing to make the drive to Detroit, we could spend five days and four nights in Fabulous Las Vegas! Though we didn’t book on the spot, a few days later we called Cheryl up and booked our first big trip together. |
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Since neither of us are big gamblers (unless you count Rob’s risk-taking on the trails sometimes), we got pretty excited about the prospect of renting a car so that we could take several road trips during our stay. We made an online reservation with Enterprise Rentals (one of the many, many car rental services out of McCarran airport) and for about $100 (including insurance), we secured our main mode of transportation. From the airport, most car rental locations provide a shuttle service to their main office which is off of airport property. They will also shuttle you back to the airport when you return your vehicle. Parking at our hotel was absolutely free and we had no trouble finding a spot in the Riviera parking garage. Of course, if you have no intention of leaving the strip then we don’t suggest you rent a car. Driving the Strip during peak hours is very similar to rush hour on the 400 series highways in the GTA. That being said, you’ll have an unlimited supply of cabs, access to the Deuce or Las Vegas Monorail to get you from casino to casino or party to party. The 6-km Monorail runs between several major casinos and costs $5 a ride, $9 for a day pass, or you can buy a 6-ride party pack for $20. The Deuce is a 97 passenger, double-decker bus that rides up and down the strip 24 hours a day. Though the official word is that these buses pull up to the stops about every 7 to 17 minutes, depending on time of day, we felt that they ran more often in the evening! ). It will cost you a mere $5 for 24 hour Deuce service but the fare is worth every penny, especially if you’ve been walking the strip all day and have had a drink or two that night J The Deuce will also take you downtown to the older part of Las Vegas so that you can check out the show on Freemont Street. |
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Lovingly referred to as the "Freemont Street Experience," in essence you'll see a five-block long overhead sound, video and light-show! That's right, an entire five city blocks have been covered by space-frame (tv-like) panels and has been outfitted with over 2 million lights and 540,000 watts of sound and music. It's like watching an overhead concert! Freemont Street is lined by the famous "original" casinos like the Golden Nugget and a whole slew of souvenir shops and eateries. We walked in and out of the old-style casinos, adoring the red velvet and wood fixtures as we passed by slots and tables. Of course, we decided to indulge in a whale-bone margarita... many, many ounces of cool alcoholic goodness in a very tall glass, complete with sipping straw. |
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Once back on the main Las Vegas Strip, we took a walk up to see the "Aquatic Spectacular" fountain show at the Bellagio. This is one amazing light and water show! Recently, we had seen a TV special on water usage in the Las Vegas area and one of the highlights was how the fountain show was operated. The fountains and music have been choreographed and programmed accordingly but there is a human who supervises! This show is very photo-worthy, so be sure to have it on-hand when you decide to take in the show. On weekends, the show runs every fifteen minutes between 8 p.m. and midnight and every 30 minutes during the week. Many hotels and casinos offer free attractions to those meandering along the strip or who chose to check out their tables. Another very popular example is the "Sirens of TI" show at Treasure Island. Each night, sexy sirens battle it out with the pirates in a blaze of pyrotechnics. The show runs daily at 7 p.m., 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 but the sidewalk fills up at least a half hour before the show, so get there early if you're interested! |
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Even if you're not a gambler, the Strip is one big adult playground. If you want it, you'll probably find it somewhere along the Las Vegas Strip! I would liken it to a Disney World for adults because everywhere you turn there are giant castles, circus tents, towers and even a pyramid... all for the enjoyment of those of drinking and gambling age. Each casino and hotel has developed its own theme, which makes for excellent sight-seeing. For instance, feel like taking a ride in a gondola? Visit the Venetian! Looking for some Egyptian flare? Walk right into the front doors of the Mirage! From Paris to Tuscany to New York to Nevernever Land, there is something for everyone. Keeping with the theme park analogy, there are also rides! Yes, you can enjoy a ride on quite a few roller coasters, some hanging off the roof of tall buildings, in Las Vegas. |
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| For more information:
Grand Canyon National Park Riviera Hotel and Casino The Deuce |
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