Sunday, June 13th “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” Kingman, AZ to Las Vegas, NV

Today was supposed to be an easy day, but most definitely wasn’t.  Kingman, AZ turned out to be a great stopover point, only 2 hours away from Las Vegas.  The drive was easy; we stopped only once at the Hoover Dam.  We parked on both sides for photos, but didn’t actually walk on the dam (because we weren’t interested in paying for close parking and didn’t feel like walking down to the dam).  Actually, I think it’s closer to the truth to say that we didn’t feel like walking back up the hill after we walked down to the dam.

The "back" of the dam

The "front."  I guess I expected gushing water similar to Niagara Falls (by the way I haven't been there), but this is what I got.  From our vantage point, we weren't able to see any water on this side.

We soon arrived in Las Vegas and drove the entire length of the Strip before choosing a casino hotel to stay at.  While not the fanciest by any means, the Imperial was the cheapest ($25 a night) with the best location (tucked between Harrah’s and the Flamingo).

The Paris is visible in the background (the Eiffel Tower)

Paris! (our favorite as far as ambiance is concerned)

We immediately found a lunch buffet and gorged ourselves on meaty things (Greg) and waffles with hot fudge sauce (me).  Having purchased a buffet meal deal ($30 each unlimited food for 24 hours at any of 7 casino buffets), we positively delighted in the long binge that followed.

After our initial casino buffet meal, stomachs happy, we began walking down the strip.  We walked from the Imperial to a little past the MGM Grand, stopping in almost every casino along the way just to see what they were like inside.  We crossed Las Vegas Boulevard and meandered into the New York and the Excalibur before heading back towards our hotel.

The New York

The Excalibur

The King inside the Excalibur.  I had wanted to see Elvis... and I did.  I saw a couple of bad knockoffs, and then here, in the Exaclibur lobby, the real deal.  

We only made a couple of stops on the way back, including the Bellagio, but the damage was already done.  The feet were aching and sore and I for one was very tired.  

The Vegas lights

View of the Bellagio water fountain show in front of the Paris

The inside of the Bellagio was very cool.  Not only was there the blown glass flowers display on the ceiling of the lobby, but there was also a large garden display featuring both live plants and flowing water and giant flower and bee creations.

The Bellagio lobby

The Bellagio seasonal flower display

Much later than we had planned, we finally stumbled back into the Imperial. I am too tired to do anything but sleep.

The rest of what Sin City has to offer will be experienced tomorrow.