DAY SIX, part two: Las Vegas, NV

DAY SIX, part two: Las Vegas, NV


The drive from the Hoover Dam to Las Vegas is about 30 miles. It is uneventful, but that just makes the first glimpse of the city that much more spectacular. The first landmark we spotted was the Stratosphere, which of course Reagan knew from the ride at the top. Then slowly, the Luxor could be picked out, and New York New York, and on the list went.

As we drove, a light suddenly clicked in John’s head that the TV show “Pawn Stars” is filmed in Las Vegas. He wanted to see if we could drive by it. Well, the city is pretty big, so I was hopeful that they would be nowhere near the strip or anything we were planning to visit (I have seen the show. I am not a fan). But when I Googled it, it turns out they were on Las Vegas Blvd (AKA “The Strip” only beyond the Stratosphere hotel. We voted. Kaylin and John wanted to see it. Reagan, Desi, and I did not. Then Ava cast her vote with John, and since he’s the driver the tie went in his favor

Rather than take the highway around and in to the Treasure Island casino (where I had picked a restaurant for dinner), I diverted us onto Las Vegas Blvd. We turned right at the MGM Grand and began our adventure rolling down the Las Vegas strip in a Winnebago. And yes, we got some LOOKS!

We cruised beyond the Stratosphere, and into the land of crack whores and pimps, inching ever closer to this famous pawn shop. It came into view and John was happier than I’ve seen him on the entire trip. When we nearly had to park in the Peep Show lot next door, my amazement and wonder ceased to be. So we made a quick turn into the alley that ran behind the pawn shop (so we could make a u-ie and park at the meters across from the lot marked “showgirl parking only”) and we came headlight to headlight with the Old Man and his Jag. I snapped a quick pic of him, les none of you believe me. But it wasn’t with my phone so you’ll have to wait til we download our family camera! : )

We wandered around the shop, and learned that the “stars” aren’t there after 3pm usually. John picked a magnet or some such souvenir, and I looked around at the amazing items for sale, and the crowd of hillbillies that mingled there.

We drove back down the Strip, wondering where we might possibly find a lot to hold the RV. Thank God for the internet! Once again Google saved the day and I found that the Paris casino offered oversize parking, but you had to call security first. I did and the kind lady told us where to park, how to get there, and said there wouldn’t be a charge.

We parked and walked the block and a half back towards the Strip. We stopped and talked with a couple of bicycle cops to find out where the Fremont (or is it Tremont?) Street experience was located. They told us that it was pretty far away, back up past the Pawn Stars location. Which, by the way, they cautioned us was in a bad part of town and they didn’t recommend walking around there with kids. Good to know. So we started walking up one side of the street with intentions to go down the other.

First stop: the Venetian. These casinos are huge. And I mean HUGE. We went in to find the canals with the gondoliers, and walked past shops and more shops and sky painted ceilings all lit up with a warm evening light. At times you couldn’t believe you were indoors! We then walked to Treasure Island. While walking we noticed that the little pirate show area seemed to be under construction. We hoped by night fall they would have whatever problem they were working on fixed so the kids could see the show. But our waitress at Kahunaville inside the casino told us otherwise. Routine maintenance until Monday. Oh well.

Inside Kahunaville, some little fountains danced to music and entertained Ava. I instantly knew she would love the Bellagio when we made it down there. Kahunaville is known for its bartenders and their “flair.” Not Office Space flair, but more Tom Cruise in Cocktail flair. The kids and I watched a guy juggle 3 bottles of liquor and make free shots for everyone one the rowdiest side of the bar. It was so cool. Afterward he poured the remaining shots directly into patrons’ mouths. I got one too!! : )

We took a tram to the Mirage, and got out in time to see the fountain become a volcano. We walked into Caesar’s Palace, which was the most beautiful and BIGGEST casino I have ever seen. We got lost at one point. I wish we had more time to take it all in. I think we only scratched the surface. After Caesar’s was the Bellagio, and the awe-inspiring dancing fountains. They are a must-see (and Ava’s favorite). We then went to New York New York and let the older kids ride the Manhattan Express roller coaster. Reagan gave it two thumbs up. : )

At this point, our bodies were telling us it was getting very late, even though it was only 9:00. So we crossed the street at the MGM Grand, walked quickly through there, and up the road. The porn pushers were out in droves, but they were much less aggressive than I remember them being when I was in Vegas back in 2000. Maybe its because we had the kids with us. I like to think it was because they knew with a woman like me in tow, John had no use for those anorexic orb-breasted minxes in their literature. Only the peddlers in the “976-GIRLS” shirts know for sure.

By the time we were back at Paris, even the beauty of the Eiffel Tower was wasted on the kids. Reagan’s feet hurt. Desi wanted to call her boyfriend and was tired. Ava was on a sugar high from the cotton candy her daddy bought her, and my eyelids were fighting gravity big time. I know John was tired. He had walked up that block at mach 2. Kaylin seemed to be the only one eager to stay and see more. It just wasn’t her night.

Las Vegas is amazing. Bright lights, lots of places for food and shows, and nightclubs and music and alcohol. I would be in heaven to spend a weekend there and just forget who I am for a few days! : ) What I can do without, is all the bare assed women and topless stuff everywhere. I know it’s a money maker and I know sex sells, and I’m not a Puritan by any stretch. Its sheer jealousy and the deep seeded desire to return to this world as a showgirl in my next life. : )