Las Vegas is probably the most exciting city in the world. And that's without its best known recreation, gambling. Roughly 40 million visitors come to the city of wealth and dreams each year and guided by a neon beacon of rainbow lights, head straight for its world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
For die-hard gamblers it is a mecca of delight guaranteed to send them into spasms of pure rapture. After all, who can resist the lure of flashing lights, the ringing bells of the slot machines, the exotic and complimentary drinks served literally on a silver tray, and, of course, the smell of money in the air. Money to be made and money to be lost. Got to remember the word moderation when you enter the hypnotic world of the casinos.
Fortunately Las Vegas offers plenty to do besides gambling. Why the sightseeing opportunities alone are enough to keep you occupied for days on end, not to mention the eating, drinking, and endless round of shows and various amusements available. Yes, it is true that Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world!
For my friend Lauren and I our journey to Las Vegas began on a Sunday evening, with a six hour nonstop flight from Philadelphia compliments of US Airways. Although still suffering from a touch of plane-fatigue, we immediately revived upon being awakened from our naps to hear that the plane was at last above Vegas, and it was time to prepare for descent. As the plane began its descent we could look out the window and see Las Vegas pulsating beneath us.
Even from the air the city was a visual feast, and Lauren and I began excitedly pointing out the various famous landmarks, The Stratosphere, MGM Grand, etc.
We landed in Las Vegas about 9:00 AM in the morning with our luggage, cameras, pamphlets and guide books, and a small budget earmarked mostly for entertainment which did not include gambling. This had nothing to do with any feelings of morality on our part, but was simply a concession to the realities of our financial situation. Sure we planned to do a little gambling, but we had to set strict limits for ourselves so as not to get carried away and spend more than we could afford.
Exiting the airport, we walked instantly into what felt like a dense wall of heat. The shock of these extreme temperatures , 90's and heading to triple digits , after the comfortable coolness of the airport interior was almost disorienting. We had to remind ourselves that this was to be expected, as we had arrived in the middle of the Nevada desert.
Checking into the Imperial Palace Hotel, we were glad that we had pre-booked a room. The clerk at the front desk informed us that due to an unusually high volume of tourists needing rooms immediately, we would've had to wait until next week before a room with two beds became available.
First Day in Vegas
The next day, our first full day exploring Las Vegas, we decided to learn the ins and outs of the land of glitz and glamour by taking the monorail to all the stops. Tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail are available in the hotels at machines, and at the stations themselves at machines. We each bought a one day (24 hour) ticket for $15, which is good for anywhere you want to go. The Monorail is the perfect way to get a bird's-eye view of this magnificent city, and its many offerings without wearing yourself and your feet out.
Now Lauren and I are both huge Start Trek fans, so out of all the marvelous attractions waiting for us, what do you think was the first place we set off for? If you guessed the Las Vegas Hilton and its famed Star Trek Experience, give yourself a pat on the back for being right.
And it is quite an experience, although for true devotees like ourselves only being rocketed directly into outer space on the Enterprise itself with Captain Kirk by our side would have provided complete satisfaction. We managed to make due, however, with the 2 available rides, The Klingon Adventure and the Borg Invasion, plus pouring over the Star Trek museum displays. These provided an interesting distraction for killing time while waiting in a long line.
The Klingon Adventure, a simulated ride, was quite lively and won't disappoint anyone brave enough to go on it. Here I feel I must add a word of caution, however, for those with weak stomachs as it can be a rocky road from beginning to end.
"The Borg Invasion," was in 4D, (for the uninitiated, that's 3D with a seat that bounces and jolts very realistically so that the physical experience matches the one seen on-screen). The special effects are remarkable, and Lauren and I enjoyed it tremendously.
