Las Vegas!

Saturday saw my first snow in Flagstaff! I'd gone to the cinema and came out to snow. And the snow kept coming. By nightfall it had completely settled, which was fun for me as there was only two of us in the house and so it was an excuse to go crazy in the snow outside, in my new rainboots! They had already proved their usefulness. They were also useful the next day when I had to walk the snowy paths to the Greyhound to catch a bus to Las Vegas, where I was going for a couple of days. The bus ride was a bit hectic, especially in my lack of common sense I had decided to sit opposite the restroom - not a good idea at all. If you've ever sat opposite the toliet in a FGW Train to Reading or London you'll know what I mean. Also there was a kid continuously kickin' the back of my chair for 5 hours.

Staying the Stratosphere (it had a special offer and so much better than the Motel 6), it was lovely to have a bit of luxury, including cable TV and...a bath! In my infinite wisdom I decided to walk the Las Vegas Boulevard strip - not realising how long it actually was. But I was OK, stopping to take pictures, go inside the casinos, and the mall and other shops. It was great seeing all the famous casino hotels such as Caesar's Palace, The Venetician, New York New York, Excalibur, and teh MGM Grand.

It wasn't until I reached The Luxor at the far end that I ran into trouble. For luncg I had gone to the Earl of Sandwich and tried their hot Holiday Roast Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich with Cranberry sauce, which was alright. After that however, I went to the Coca-cola store and thought it rude not to have a drink in the store so bought a Cola Icee. That was probably my mistake. I don't know what in the drink my stomach didn't like, but it wanted it out. I had to make an agonizing slow walk to my hotel. What made it worse was I was walking behind a short man smoking a cigar, nearly the whole journey. I may have not have given a lot of the casino's my money but I did leave my stomach contents in a lot of their restrooms. It was hideous, but I eventually made it make to the safety of my hotel room where ironically I was feeling ok again as I had nothing left inside. That was a $8 wasted on a sandwich I wish I hadn't seen again. After a little rest and an electrolytes drink I made my way up the Stratosphere observation tower on the 108 & 109 floors for sunset. I had planned to go on one of the rides up there too but after my afternoon, I decided it was best not to risk an encore. I grabbed a slice of pizza and headed back out to the strip - this time taking the bus to the Luxor. It was great seeing all the casinos lit up at night, although a little distressing to see the lack of energy efficiency. I saw a great fountain show oustide the Bellagio, and the Volcano display outside the Mirage, and of course - a little flutter here and there. I lost everytime...mostly because I had no idea what I was doing. Even the slot machines were complicated - I'd spent a dollar before I even understood it. But nevermind... just the Greyhound bus ride back to Flagstaff left - another hideous journey, this time, it was the coughers and loud people with smelly food. In conclusion, loved Las Vegas and glad I got to see it, not sure if I'd go there again. Or if I did, I won't take the Greyhound and I probably won't eat or drink anything there neither!