I arrived safely the other morning in Vegas.  What a place. The first thing tha hits you is the heat. Pure, dry, very hot heat. I mean it’s not like we are in the middle of a dessert you know😊. 

I landed after a smooth flight about 9am. I phoned the Bellagio where I was staying and enquired about early check in, or at the least, leaving by bags there so I can explore till the room was ready. Sure, not a problem just come and we can sort out out.  This was the very helpful, and as I have become accustomed, good American hospitality at it finest. 

I got a shuttle very smoothly to the Bellagio. I am amazed at how smoothly everything has run so far besides earlier fiasco with the luggage. You want to get from a-b and you get there. There is decent, and fairly cheap, transport to and from the airports to where you want to go.  Not sure if it will change the more I travel. I am hoping not…

I arrived at the Bellagio and instantly felt a slight feeling like I had stepped back in time.  I definitely didn’t feel as if I ‘fitted in’ with my rucksack (everyone else had suitcases or ‘wheelies’). Soon I didn’t care when I saw people walking around in shorts and t-shirts. Besides arriving early, my room was ready and the only thing I can say is it is luxurious. More like a Hilton back home but better.  There’s a concierge and luggage desk.  Very la de dah!!

I checked in and walked through the casino which its bright lights and various machines and card games. WOW!!  I have never been in a casino before and I was a dumbfounded if I am honest.  I don’t gamble and I feel I would be very bad at it so don’t do it apart from the very, very, rare game of poker with I friends at Uni. What I saw was people literally giving their money away and enjoying every moment of it.  Bizarre!!

I got to the room and it is very nice indeed. Think I could like it here!

The first thing I did was find something to eat as I realised I hadn’t eaten yet that day after rising at an ungodly hour to get an early flight. I was subsequently to learn Vegas is quite expensive unless you look around. Luckily for me I found a small mall opposite the Bellagio (another name drop , sorry). It was reasonable and have a gluten free option too. I ate and had a very quick wander around before having to run and hide from the heat. Seriously, it is sooo hot!!!

The view from where I am staying. 

What I have learned is that Vegas is a bit nuts!!  There is the heat which much be 45degrees, endless row of casinos, escalators to cross the road or get into a restaurant or casino, random buildings like a replica of New York (with full Brooklyn bridge and stature of Liberty) or the Eiffel Tower and girls half naked walking around in bunny or police costumes. Amazing, but nuts. Most of the casinos have a free show out front. The Bellagio is famous for it fountain display. I can see why. Wow!

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The following day I picked up the car. A taxi from the front of the casino took me to the airport where I was to pick up the rental after a much confused taxi driver dropped me off at terminal three. He didn’t get that I wasn’t taking a flight and keep asking why I hadn’t any baggage and which airline I needed. Anyway I got the to rental place. Very easy, picked up the car from dollar, just needed to check my license and whether I need gps and road side assistance. I decided yes to both and was relieved as the gps is more like a phone with wifi and 60mins calls free. Very handy.  

I went to collect the car and became confused. Admittedly I am a novice when it comes to hiring a car, having only done it once previously. Then I filled out some forms and got shown the car and talked through some of the functions. 

NOPE, not a thing. Just directed to a row of cars and told to pick one I liked. OK!  

I chose a cute white compact. After fiddling a little with the mirrors and seat (and failing with the back rest). I managed to complete my first drive in an automatic. I survived and what’s more so did the car. YAY!!!  I made it back through heavy Vegas traffic. I was well chuffed with myself. To top it off I found I had free parking as I booked before May. Double YAY!!!!

I think I will leave it a while before taking it out again though. Vegas is tough to drive in. 

As I am getting used to the heat and I am exceedingly comfortable with the casino lifestyle which, apart from thoughts to marry a rich man and convince him to make Vegas a regular thing, I am thinking of entertainment. What to do in the evenings..?

The only thing to do in Vegas apart from gamble is book a show. I really wanted to see Britney.  No, don’t knock it, Britney’s show has been rated the best in Vegas. Unfortunately I didn’t plan ahead and book before leaving the U.K. So that’s a big NO. Instead I have booked Circ du Soleil’s O which happens to be at the Bellagio. Very convenient and I am feeling very lazy. I may try a little gambling. It looks like fun…

I did intend to book excursions to see the Grand Canyon. Didn’t realise it was going to involve a 12 hour day, in a small bus, in this heat. Anyway I am quite comfortable chilling by the pool and drinking alcoholic lemonade. May get off my arse tomorrow and go to Lake Mead which is supposedly a lovely place to visit. 

If not you’ll find me by the pool again.

It’s a hard life…..