Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Las Vegas



Viva Las Vegas



There’s only one place in the middle of the barren desert where you can have lunch in Paris, shop in New York and gamble in Rome. Whether you win big or fold fast, there’s one thing that you can bet on — you’ll never get bored in Sin City. It’s not the days you need to plan because in Las Vegas, the nightlife is the best life. It’s the one mirage that really quenches the desert traveller’s thirst.

The main strip is for the modern, glitz and glam vacationer — bright lights and massive hotels that encase mini fantasylands. Roam the gardens of Caesar’s Palace, ride the gondolas through the Venetian or ride the roller coaster at New York - New York. And all of these fantasylands come fully equipped with their own hotel, casino and shopping mall. Live performances are around every corner — Vegas is sure to dazzle its spectators. Gambling is the easiest game to find, it earns the player free drinks and there’s no rules about lighting up in this city.

If, on the other hand, you’re more of the laid back traveler and want to gamble with the locals, eat and drink a little cheaper at massive buffets and aren’t ready to become the full-fledged party animal that you know you could be – old Vegas is more your style. If you can’t decide, it’s only a 15 minute taxi ride from one sparkling end to the other.

The concept of the strip casino has drastically changed from the Western resorts started there in the 1940's. Miners, along with construction workers on the Hoover Dam, started a population boom in the early 1900's. Not long after, were slot machines and quickie divorces. Only in old Vegas will you stare up at the old cowboy in neon lights. Now, the main strip has been transformed into replicas of whole cities, including Rome, Egypt, Paris and New York that rub elbows in the neon darkness.




Things to do if you win big:



• Celine Dion — A New Day

A kaleidoscope of sight and sound is broadcast on the world’s largest LED screen, fueled by Celine’s gripping vocals. Dancers and acrobats are constantly moving on an ever-changing stage of floating bicycles, human butterflies and cherry blossom trees. You literally won’t believe your eyes.

• La Reve (the Dream)

Synchronized swimmers with ruby high heels and acrobats perform as if in dreams around a circular pool stage. Characters rise from within the pool and fall from the sky in complicated dives. A surreal show that would awe even Dali.

• Cirque du Soleil — Mystere

An overgrown baby, two-faced climbers, bungee acrobats and a psychedelic snail all keep the beat of the same drum. Painted the colour of mystery, these creatures perform beyond what’s humanly thought possible.

• Gondola rides/theme parks

Ride a gondola through the Venetian mall and be serenaded by the operatic voices of the gondola drivers for $15 per person. Or scream your brains out on the Manhattan Express - the wildest roller coaster through New York that no taxi could match.

• Auto Collections at Imperial Palace

Over 300 classic cars parked on the fifth floor are not only to be ogled, but can be bought as well. Racing cars, muscle cars, roadsters and antiques line the carpets and are always changing.

• Legends in Concert

Watch Madonna, Prince and the ever-popular Elvis (or some impersonators that look and sound just like them) work the crowds just like they used to. The divas of the show may change, but Elvis lives on forever.

• Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam

A gorge that spans for miles in every direction that leaves all who experience it, in wonder and awe. Bus and helicopter tours are available every day, so don’t miss out on one of the wonders of the world.









Things to do if you lose big:



• Freemont St experience
A $70 million light canopy that stretches over three blocks is host to a free laser light show from 7pm until midnight, at the beginning of each hour. Just look up and watch the images transform and move to the music.

• Photos with Elvis
The King is waiting to have his photo taken with you for free, outside the Imperial Palace.

• Free comedy shows
Just walking down the main strip, visitors get plenty of offers to come on in and watch the show for free.

• Sirens of Treasure Island - pirate show
Grab a plank and watch the pirates and temptresses battle on a pirate ship - no cost.

• Fountains at Bellagio
A free water symphony every night.

• Live music while shopping
Peeking your head out of a boutique, you’ll likely stumble across jesters and Italian opera singers along the Grand Canal in the Venetian or watch the fountain’s marble statues come to life in Caesar’s Palace.



For more information on hotels and attractions, visit LasVegas.com.