Las Vegas

 

To start our trek in Utah, we needed to drive from Las Vegas. We were there to meet Grace’s husband, Miguel, who was joining us for the hike. 

Upon arriving in Vegas, I noticed across the street, was a big rollercoaster. I love rollercoasters! We stayed at the Nomad (a huge hotel in Park MGM) and this New York, New York hotel across the street was quite unusual. Impressive in scale (like other properties in Vegas) it was composed of numerous buildings made up of replicas of the New York’s iconic skyline with a rollercoaster amongst the usual other (shopping, restaurants, casino etc) in the complex. Anyway, the rollercoaster was fun. A loop de loop with some corkscrews thrown in. 

Off to restaurants and a show. We watched Absinthe, an amusing series of acts with circus performers and burlesque. 

Ah, Vegas, obviously way over the top and kitsch but I guess that’s what’s makes Vegas, Vegas! In this day of digitalisation, I pondered on the lack of atmosphere without the sounds of the machines and roulette tables since most were presented as push button video games. 

Anyway, an early start with a drive to Utah via Arizona. Farewell Nevada!