Viva Las Vegas!

Going from serene and natural Wyoming to crazy and loud Las Vegas was quite a change!

We headed off really early (with a pit stop for bagels) in an effort to drive from Jackson to Vegas in one day (this takes just a little over 10 hours) and return the rental car by 5pm. 

Thanks to a giant accident about 30 minutes away from Vegas we fell short of this and had to return the rental car the next day (with minimal additional charges, thank god). 

So our first night in Vegas we arrived behind schedule and pretty stressed - hence, a  drink was necessary.

My first Las Vegas drink - definitely pleased about the size of this drink!

The following day we had to return the rental car but not before swinging past the famous 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign. There were people all over the place with the same idea (even though it was raining) so we snapped a few selfies and got out of there.

Finally, rental car returned, it was time to relax and explore. 

We were staying in Excalibur and our closest neighbor was New York New York (behind Michael) so that's where we started. 

My favourite thing about the hotels in Vegas is the themes - I love how they pick a theme and the entire hotel is catered to that theme, it's really clever!

Michael about to enter the New York New York casino floor.

True to theme with New York style fire escapes and a mock Times Square, complete with the Times Square Ball that drops on NYE. 

This was actually one of our favourite hotels and we came back here quite a few times for lunch and dinner.

Outside of New York New York and a view of the strip.

Probably one of the most famous hotels in Las Vegas (and I think the prettiest): The Bellagio.

Behind me is the Bellagio Fountains and Paris - also a really cool hotel theme. 

Inside the Bellagio they always have a different expo / display (not sure what else to call it) - last time I was here the display was Chinese New Years and this time it paid homage to traditional Italy - Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre etc. 

Next stop: Ceasars Palace. 

Another favourite hotel to visit.

Ceasar's had the coolest sports bar we had ever seen - I don't think that this photo does it justice as it looked much more impressive in real life.

We (Michael especially), loved this 'outdoor' style theme - with the clouds / sunset painted on the roof, it was a really cool effect. 

Myself in front of the 'Fountain of the Gods' in the centre of Ceasars. 

YARD GLASSES!

I had been looking forward to these as I remember absolutely loving them the last time I was in Vegas! We bought these from Fat Tuesdays and you can choose which combination of flavours you would like - it also costs less if you keep the glasses and re-fill them (which we obviously did). 

You cannot be cold slushies on a 40 degree day in Las Vegas!

Just another slushie photo!

Again - awesome Ceasar / Roman theme in this hotel!

The next hotel we visited was the Venetian - you guessed it: themed like Venice!

I love this photo because at first glace, not only does it trick you into thinking that it is taken outdoors but it also does look quite a lot like Venice (although, much cleaner).

The man rowing this Gondola was amazing and sang to his passengers the whole time!

The Flamingo!

For those who don't know, I seriously love flamingos - they are super cool birds.

So, I was pretty keen to go see the flamingo's (at the Flamingo) again!

The Bellagio Fountains!

Again - definitely much cooler in real life! They go off every 15-30 minutes and 'play / dance' in time to a different song.

The Strip in Las Vegas is suprisingly long (around 6km) and by the time we had walked almost from one end to the other and had started going back, it was getting dark, which is when Las Vegas really starts to look amazing. 

Above: Paris and Planet Hollywood at dusk.

New York, New York lit up at night.

By this time, a full day, we had also had several yard glasses full of alcoholic slush.... so we started feeling pretty happy...

... and then this happened!

While these photos are not entirely flattering we were definitely having fun!

Nothing like some giant slushies to kick start a fun night!

Another shot of NYNY and the MGM Grand lit up at night. 

Our castle home whilst in Las Vegas: Excalibur. 

The following day it was time to make use of the pool!

Excalibur has four different outdoor pools - I had been waiting for SO LONG for some pool time!

This day was also spent with Michael making some money out of Vegas! Apparently he is pretty lucky as he managed to make a reasonable amount of money playing black jack and roulette. He also did quite well on the poker table!

Later on, I made Michael rush all the way to Treasure Island (the opposite end of the Strip to our hotel) to see the Siren Show, which it turns out, no longer runs! Anyway.... The displays outside Treasure Island are still pretty cool!

The Mirage!

Note: we managed to acquire more delicious slushies!

Back to Ceasars!

Left: I really liked this sign outside of Ceasars - especially at night, it had a really cool and almost three dimensional effect. 

Michael with both of our yard glass slushies at Ceasars!

He kept telling me that there wasn't much alcohol in them but that clearly wasn't true.

The slushies win again!

More, slightly tipsy, slushie fun - well, when in Vegas!

After re-fuelling on slushies we went back to the Bellagio Fountains to watch a night show. 

They played to Lucy in the Sky by the Beatles, which has recently become a personal favourite of ours as we heard it numerous times while on our road trip around Utah and Jackson!

Some final night time shots - Paris looks really amazing lit up at night!

Last moments in Vegas!

We had so much fun in Vegas and really enjoyed staying at Excalibur (food, drinks, pools and a gym - what more could I want?). There was a little gambling, a little drinking, a lot of eating and also a lot of fun (especially since Michael has managed to fund quite a lot of our Mexico travels with his Vegas winnings!).

This was our final stop in the USA (until we return to fly home via Vegas) and it has been an absolutely amazing adventure!

Thanks America, until next time!

xx