On the Vegas Strip...

Since we have never been to Las Vegas, we decided it was only fitting that we hit the strip and see how much money we could win (or lose). Peg had also mapped out our adventure for the afternoon so we could see a lot of free things as well. We found parking at the MGM Grand Casino and from there, we started walking. I was not sure I was up for this, since I saw the itinerary Peg had put together!

In the MGM, we saw two lions with their trainers. They were in an enclosed plexiglass "cage" so people milling around could watch them. They spend 6 hours there and sleep most of the time. It was fun to watch them as they tried to get some sleep! The two that were out were named Chili and Pepper.

We walked a short distance down the crowded street and stopped into the M & M Store. It was unbelievable how many things that say "M & M" on them exist! The store was four stories high and, on the third floor, we saw a 3D movie staring, who else but the M & M's. It was called "I Lost My M In Las Vegas". the 3D effects were pretty cool. Another free thing to do in Vegas. They also had a city scape of Vegas you could stand in front of and have your picture taken, which we did.

Next we stuck our heads into the Planet Hollywood Casino. It was very large but smoky. The ventilation systems are not too good in these casinos. They also had the Miracle Mile Shops but we did not check them out...too much to see and do!

Down the street was the Paris Casino. They had a replica of the Eiffel Tower and also the Arch de Triumph. For a $10 charge, you can take an elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and see what Vegas looks like from above. I had my fill of heights so we decided to pass on that one. We did, however, try out the one arm bandits there. Peg won $12 and I broke even. Not to bad for our first attempt in Vegas!

We next checked out Bally's since their entrance was pretty cool with escalators and people movers to get you into their front doors. You could also pick up the aerial tram there. The sides of the walkway were waterfalls and beautiful flower gardens were planted along the walkway. We noted that this city did a nice job of keeping people out of the roadways. They build bridges over the road which are walkways to get you across the streets. There were escalators, stairs and elevators to get you up to the bridge over the road, so even handicapped folks had no problem getting around.

Just past Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon (with $.99 Margaritas) we entered the Flamingo. It has a beautiful, free aviary in the back with, you guessed it, flamingos, wood ducks, a peacock and a large pond with well fed coy and waterfalls all around. We walked many of the paths and found the Flamingo Club with its beautiful pool. It was a nice area to relax for a few minutes.

Leaving the Flamingo, we crossed over Las Vegas Boulevard and entered Caesars Palace. This was one of the most interesting and opulent casinos we went into. Beside the huge sculptures and statues, it had a large open "courtyard" that was removed from the traffic noise of the boulevard. Very Nice! We traveled into the casino and then to the Forum Shops. This was like an underground mall with high ceilings that were painted like the sky. It looked so realistic I was waiting for a bird or two to fly by! At the end of the shops was a depiction of Atlantis with statues and a rock structure. Behind it was an aquarium that went around the back of Atlantis.We saw a diver feeding the fish in the narrow tank. He created quite an audience.

On the hour, a performance is put on depicting the fall of Atlantis. It is done by animated, mechanical Atlantians with smoke, fire, water and steam for a really cool effect. There are also huge TV monitors all around the walls surrounding the Atlantis stage. It was a pretty neat thing to see...For free!! Check out the video of a small portion of the show below...

We decided to walk up to the Bellagio to see the fountains and light show since it was getting near dusk. The fountains started and the music began and it lasted about 5 minutes. I was expecting a longer show. By this time all the lighting across the city was getting fired up and it was a spectacular look. The TV screens are the size of one side of a house and they constantly played videos of commercials, promotions and "life" in Vegas.

It was getting late and my feet were screaming at me so we headed back to the MGM and our car. We went past New York, New York and their wild roller coaster and finally to the parking garage. We wanted to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe, which was across town, but when we got there we were told there was an hour wait for service. I was too tired and hungry to wait, so we headed back to the Outdoor Resorts RV Park and found a Quiznos across the street that we ate at.

It was a long day and we only touched on a small part of Las Vegas. In the next few days, we have service appointments for our satellite dish replacement, engine recalls and awning replacements, all under warranty. We will be running around with the coach so we will have to schedule more "entertainment" at a later time.