Vegas. The pinnacle of western civilisation. The least discriminatory place in the world. Ethnicity, gender, mobility, dress sense - none of these things are judged here...as long as you have the money. I don't have any money (or dress sense) but luckily my Dad does, which is why we found ourselves checking into The Bellagio.
I can't stand Vegas, which is why this is my sixth or seventh time visiting, and usually I stay in less salubrious places, like The Golden Nugget ($29 a room, 2-for-1 buffet specials) or The Excalibur (a pricey $39 a room). I did once splash out on The Flamingo, which may have cost $50 a night, but three of us slept in a two-person room then.
I knew it was different this time the moment my desert-dusty boots met the polished marble floor and Dad swiped his credit card at the check in desk. We were whisked up to rooms on the 24th floor, where we enjoyed fountain views from our plush beds and marveled at the poor souls who had to gather on the street to watch. Hahaha!
The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. Then the soul-erosion produced by high gambling --a compost of greed and fear and nervous tension-- becomes unbearable and the senses awake and revolt from it. Well, that's what Ian Fleming reckons in Casino Royale, but given I was in bed at 9pm I didn't get to find out. So I can't say I fully appreciated the delights of high-end Sin City, although the toiletries I swiped from the hotel bathroom were more luxurious than usual. As was the toilet roll, and the towels, and the pillows - my suitcase was pretty full.
All in all it was an excellent end to our jaunt around the south-western US. Now we're back to DC (the real city of corruption and vice) where the Davies International Tours Ltd. customers will be asked for their feedback. And if it's not good they'll be looking for somewhere else to sleep.
In order to get to Las Vegas we had to drive through Zion National Park. What a chore.
It was a bit like Yosemite but red.
Now this is a view.
The fountains begin!
A wander past Caesar's Palace.
The only free entertainment in all of Vegas.
Hmm.
Back on the Bellagio gambling floor, where Pete tries to pretend he's 21.
What happens in Vegas...
Dad enjoys the view.
Room service arrives! I didn't get a very good tip.
Goodnight Vegas!
