Day 27: Viva Las Vegas UPDATED!

After our room debacle from last night, we finally got to enjoy Vegas today. We set out for “The Strip” early this afternoon in search of adventures. I must say I was thoroughly and consistently by all of the wonders of Las Vegas. Where else can you go to New York, Paris, Venice, Ancient Rome, Treasure Island and Sherwood Forest circa Medieval Age in one day? I hadn’t thought I would enjoy it as much as I did, being new to the gambling scene (and not really wanting to delve into it) and having seen actual wonders without signs in front of them for 16.95 prime rib specials. It truly is impressive the way that these casinos create an adult wonderland that allows you to escape the sweltering desert complete with ads for strip shows and adult stores and lose yourself in flashing lights, fancy restaurants, games and high end shopping, all but losing your sense of space and time. Worries give way to illusions, and anyone can feel like a “high roller” as they bask in luxury (even if it is only through window shopping).

Of course Vegas is not without fault. It is, after all, very much in the middle of the desert and one does have to brave the 100+ degree heat to get from one playland to the next. Prices are rather high for anything that doesn’t have to do with gambling (though amazingly parking is free!). And it is overrun with tourists who, like you, are just there for the fleeting feeling of luxury and freedom from care that you are there to enjoy as well. And they often want to document every moment on film, much to your chagrin. But everyone is free to enjoy “sin city,” except of course for children, who aren’t allowed within 100 feet of a gambling area.

Sadly, or thankfully, our day was rather tame by Vegas standards. We began in New York, New York where we felt closer to home than we have in weeks. We had lunch and began our gambling. Luck smiled on me for a little while at the slots (sadly luck was NOT as much of a lady to Matt) and I came out about 50 dollars ahead. But of course, the day was young and so are we, so it was on to the next casino to try our luck. We traveled on to the Aladdin, one of the older casinos on the strip and were whisked away to an Arabian paradise, and again I came out on top. My luck changed completely when we got to Paris. I was surprisingly dazzled by the building itself (as I have seen Paris in the flesh), complete with Eiffel tower, Louvre and cafes with delicious crepes (I had to spend my winnings somewhere!). But after learning to play roulette and promptly losing $20, my disillusionment and losing streak began.

Our gambling waned after our trip to Paris, we decided to stick to the less expensive activity of sightseeing. We walked the marble halls of Caesar’s Palace, saw the fountains dance in front of the Bellagio (truly a sight to behold) and waited eagerly for the ship sinking at Treasure Island, which sadly was cancelled due to high winds. I even spotted an Elvis impersonator! We ate dinner at, what else, but an all you can eat buffet at King Arthur’s table at the Excalibur (unfortunately, the king himself was not in attendance.) After all of that, I felt that we had “done” Vegas, but I feel an itching to go back again. The glitter has drawn me in; the tourism board has done its job. But that’s another story for another time. Now we are in Utah, getting ready to go to Zion and Brice Canyons together before beginning our Northern ascent and our true trip back east, back home. The time has flown…even if some moments have felt long.

Without further ado…The STATS

Overall Average: 56.5mph
Moving Average: 65.5 mph
Total Time: 3h 22 min
Moving time: 2 h 55 min
Stopped: 27min 53 sec
Miles Traveled: 190.9 miles
Distance to go: It will be over before we know it…
37% of the country travelled
AND THE MAP: