American Road Trip – Part 5 – Las Vegas

They say ‘what goes on in Vegas… stays in Vegas’ but I’m going to tell you everything!:)….sorry, no ‘The Hangover’ type tales to tell you all.
What an amazing way to finish a memorable three weeks on the road with my two amazing friends Jim and Dave.

Vegas is one of these places that has to be seen to be believed. Even if you think Vegas is not your thing I would definitely recommend spending a couple of days there. There are no clocks in this town and the hotels pump oxygen into the casinos so you don’t know what time it is and you never get tired! Sneaky!
I’ve actually been to Vegas before and I loved it otherwise it would have been on my list. It’s like nowhere else in the world. This time round was a bit more low key than the previous time I was there. I’ll tell you about that experience when I know my mums not reading!:)

There is so much to do and see and it’s not all drinking and gambling. I only gambled once and that was only $1 on a slot machine. I won and then I lost and then it quickly occurred to me that this how Vegas makes its money! Vegas made something like $6 billion last year alone.
I must admit I did toy with the idea of putting all my remaining money on red. If I won I would double my money and continue this amazing trip for a wee but longer. It was then pointed out to me that if I lost I would be going home….immediately!

Whilst there I didn’t see any shows as I was just happy walking around the amazing hotels like Caesars palace, the famous fountains of the Belagio, The canals of The Venetian and the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The guys went to see the cirque de solei show ‘O’ and said it was out of this world. By the way they buzzing afterwards I would say it is definitely one for your lists.
We went to the famous ‘Old Vegas’ and watched a Bon Jovi concert on a screen which hangs over the length of the street. AMAZING!

My most favourite thing in Vegas has to be the fountains of the Belagio. I must have seen them about 10 times on this visit. Watching these fountains light up at night whilst listening to Elton John’s ‘Your Song’ will light up your heart. It’s just beautiful and you can’t stop smiling.

I also gave a talk at school which was fantastic. When I asked the kids what would be top of their lists many of them said Legoland. The question of the day had to be one of the kids asking me “why are you in all of the pictures?” Ha! Love it.

On the way to Vegas we stopped off at the incredible Hoover Dam. I wasn’t too bothered about seeing this at first but it is truly a sight to behold.

My wonderful friends treated me to a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon which was unbelievable and then spoiling me even more to dinner at the revolving restaurant on top of the Stratosphere tower. Like many of the days it was like a dream.
We ate at the Bubba Gump restaurant which was another highlight (as you may know I’m a big fan of the film Forest Gump) and I had my picture taken on the forest Gump bench!

Being invited on this road trip was like going on a dream holiday. As we sat having our final meal together we all couldn’t believe the things we’d see and done. This was Jim and Dave’s holiday and they kindly invited me to share this amazing experience with them. I can’t even begin to find the words to describe their generosity and how grateful I am. Thank you from the bottom of my heart guys.

Jim and Dave flew home on the 19th and I spent the evening with my good friend Terolyn and her amazing son Kody before driving north on the 20th. This last night in Vegas turned out to be one of the most memorable nights of my life and one which I’ll share in a separate post as there is so much to tell you all.

I’m now on my own again in the beautiful state of Idaho and I write this overlooking the beautiful Grand Teton mountain range. Next thing to tick off the list…the worlds very first National Park…the awesome Yellowstone!

Video coming for road trip coming soon!
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