SO--we just got a map and picked a pretty one, Excalabur... Parked the car --and headed into the casino... Gosh---I've never heard so much NOISE in my life... ha ha ... People were gambling away their life savings ---so we just walked around and stared at everything. Went up to the 2nd floor to their restaurant... It was huge --and the food was great. It wasn't expensive either --so we certainly enjoyed our dinner that night despite all of the noise and crowds around.
I knew that I wanted to see Vegas after dark, so we walked around and saw several other casinos. In Vegas, there are 'people movers' which go between one hotel/casino to the next... We walked and walked --and finally realized that we were lost....
We made our way somehow outside ---and then we couldn't find the main drag (strip) AND we had no idea where our car was... We were two tourists for sure!!!!! ha ha ... Anyhow--we finally found our car and finally made it back to the main street (what they call the strip).
I wanted to get some photos along the strip --but guess what???? Traffic was horrible. We ended up in the middle lane and nobody was moving. There was no good way to get photos... SO---we drove a few blocks and finally made our way to the right lane so that we could turn. We got OUTTA there --and headed back to Henderson where our motel was.
Did I have fun in Vegas? Yes---it was nice, but I'm a nature-lover and am not crazy about traffic nor crowds... I won't say that I didn't enjoy it because I've always wanted to see Vegas. So--even though I didn't get to see much, it was a good memory for me. Would I go back???? Probably not ---unless it is AFTER I finish going through my LONG list of places I want to visit in our country... ha
Here are a few pictures we managed to take that evening. The one at the top is the Excalabur, where we ate. Pretty, huh???? Below are a few more. (Click to enlarge them!)
Well---it's not much ---but if you haven't been to Vegas, this is a taste of some of the glitz.... I've heard that the shows are wonderful ---and there are TONS of other places which we didn't see. SO---if you get there, hopefully you will get better pictures than we did...
Hugs,
Betsy
59 comments:
Hi Betsy, absolutely surreal look about each place your photographed. I've been to Casino's in South Africa and can also remember the horrific noise. And the buffet restaurant prices also werehn't too bad. Like you, I much prefer the outdoors, nature, water and air around me. When we go out on leave next month, we stay over at Emperor's Palace. Also a Casino with hotels all around. I will take photos for sure. Blessings and hugs, Jo
The photos are great, but the crowds, traffic and noise would be a little too overwhelming for me. I'm much too solitary for Vegas.
The first photo looks like a castle. Been to Biloxi gambling and that's enough for me. I bet it is crowded in Vegas!
In my first marriage, Shell Oil Co. had a big business meeting/seminar/trade show there every two years that it was mandatory for my husband to attend. We were always fascinated by the people and saw some good shows, but the gambling never interested us and we would have preferred somewhere else. But there was a terrific mall and we did take some day trips outside the city.
It's a place all its own and I'm like you--I prefer nature and its natural beauty than the man-made glitz. You did a good job at capturing some of it on camera.:>)
(One year I had the choice of going back there with him or being a chaperone for the high school chorus trip and experiencing NYCity with my 15 yr. old daughter. I chose NYC. I don't think he ever forgave me!;>)
Never been to Vegas and not sure I want to go. Like you, I'm not much for the growds, noises, and such of big cities. Guess it's the country girl in me ;o)
You and I feel the same way about Vegas Betsy. We flew from Washington to Las Vegas, stayed one night and then drove up to the Grand Teton seeing a lot of wonderful places along the way. We were more interested in nature. I remember walking around for a few hours, took in a couple of casinos and lost $20 on the slot machines and that was enough. However, our son and daughter-in-law loved the place and stayed there for a few days. They are not big gamblers but also enjoyed the sights and saw a couple of shows. I don't think I would go back either unless it was for a starting point as we did have a great road trip from there.
I don't like Vegas much. It's nice to see ONCE, but after about 30 minutes I'm sick of it and want to get out of there ASAP. I don't like the traffic (you're right - you can never get out of the middle lane there) I don't like the crowds; I don't like what's going on in the crowds; I don't like some stupid guy walking past me and saying "Nice tits" as he went by; I can't stand watching all those people being addicted to losing their money. That just drive me crazy. I've been there to see a couple of shows and I'd still just love to go up and see the Osmond show. But I probably won't.
when i saw the thumbnail photo I thought you went to Disney and did not tell us about it. glad you shared it with me, because IF i were to travel, it would not be on my list. I much prefer those gorges and cabins and wonderful nature shots. but it is good you did get to see it since you were close. thanks for my trip to vegas and i did not win a thing.
Vegas is kind of like NYC in that one should visit them at least once. I've been to Vegas three times--and not to gamble!! The first time we were newly married and went to see some shows. I passed a slot machine and tried it out and won quite a bit of money on the first try. I was happy! The next two times were to conventions--more shows, including Cirque de Soleil great fun. Did you see Hoover Dam?
Best,
Bonnie
it is definitely something to see, but after about a day and a half there, i get incredibly restless and need to go for long walks to get out of the casinos and crowds... :)
One night was enough for us in Vegas too. It's a good place to see - once. But like you, I'd rather be out in the desert hiking!
las Vegas,for all the hoopla about is not my kind of place.Give me God's creation to photograph and I will be happy.I can see bt your pictures that there is a certain kind of beauty here,but again,I need the sights of nature.
Hey Bets....I'm having a good laugh at your expense thinking of you and George lost in Vegas! Never been,never wanted to go.We don't gamble but we do like to eat at the Biloxi Casinos. XO
Knew it was Vegas!
We stayed at the Luxor. Great fun!
Interesting post, Betsy, but like you, I'm a Nature lover. I don't care for cities, traffic, glitz or glamor. We are in Utah today, hoping to see some sights.
Awesome lights!! Nice captures!!
Greetings from Pixellicious Photos
We were only there for one night also on our trip last fall. We arrived towards evening and had reservations at one of the old but recently renovated places downtown. The rent was really inexpensive, the room was beautiful, but we felt like "fish out of water." We wandered around through all the noise and smoke. The funny thing was we had taken along a bunch of coins so we could just try the slot machines, but they don't take coins anymore. (They did when we visited my aunt there back in the 1950's.) Our game plan was to see some of the really nice places on the strip so many friends had shown us pictures of in the morning before heading for California. We got lost in the parking areas and never did make it to where we wanted to go and finally said, "Let's get out of here."
We drove through Vegas on our way to California, when I was a wee child...I have always heard about the glitz and glamor but just have not had a desire to go there...I am sure that it is a beautiful sight...
Glad you enjoyed this part of your trip.
Hugs and warm blessings
Shug
I wish the two of you had time to take in one of the many shows...that is what makes Vegas special. the noise and traffic? NOT so special.
Great photos!
Just like you - been there, have seen it, don't have any need to see it again! I guess it's good to experience once in a lifetime. Honestly, I cannot comprehend why people keep going back again and again and lose all the time! Have a great week!
Wow - Vegas really is the epitome of glitz! Hope you had a great time.
...I'm with you, Betsy!
Vegas is a crazy town for sure. It is never on the top of my list for places to go. My husband and I have only gone there once. With all the walking, just in the casinos, he decided he was going home and getting a knee replacement, so that was a good thing.
We aren't gamblers or drinkers, so all we do is walk around and gawk. We do enjoy the food. I enjoy sitting out by the pool, sunning and reading, but that not something my husband likes to do. We will go again I am sure, but like you, I have many more places I want to see first.
Betsy,
No one could top these photos. You sure captured the "High Rolling Night Life" fantastic Photos.
I've been to Las Vegas, but it's not really on my list of places I want to visit again. I did enjoy your pictures, though. You got some beautiful night shots.
When I was a student, my room mates and I visited the casinos in Atlantic City. One thing led to another, we gambled away our parent's hard earned money and we felt so bad. When we drove to LA from Grand Canyon, we swore not to visit Las Vegas no matter how beautiful it could be. We didn't trust our own itchy hands! Ha ha ha!
I have not been to Las Vegas in over 25 years. Ben's sister lives there and she has been "begging" me to come and stay with them a few days.
Kay
I have never stayed there, but did a drive through. A friend from college has lived there for years and never gambles.Hard to believe this city never sleeps.
I've been there a couple of times and it is fun to look around but not one of my favorite places. I won't ever go back.
I haven't ever been to Vegas either and like you would much rather be in Gods nature than Sin City ;0)
The pics are beautiful though! My Mom went and they loved it.
Hi Betsy, I have been to Vegas a few times. It is only a five-hour drive from the Los Angeles area near where I grew up. My husband's late parents used to go a few times every year so my husband grew up liking being there. I am less enthusiastic about the place. Crowds, noise, gambling (I don't), booze (I don't) and so forth. The only draw for me is the top-notch concerts but they are pricey. Have a super good rest of the evening and a most enjoyable Tuesday!
I've never been to Vegas, Betsy, but I think I'm more of a nature girl like you. I don't care much for traffic and crowds and noise. There are some pretty places there, though. Glad to hear you enjoyed your dinner. :)
How did George take all those pictures if he was driving? :)
We just drove down the strip when we were there. That stuff doesn't interest me at all. When I used to go to Puerto Rico I would walk down to the casinos in the hotel and look around but I've never even put anything in a slot machine so you see how much I like to gamble.
Great pics, Betsy, but I'm with you: give me the glories of nature instead of glitz and glamor!
In spite of the traffic, you got some good shots!!! Like you, one visit to the casinos was enough for me...give me some room!!!
Betsy, it seems that most of your followers didn't care much for Vegas either. Yes, I think the lights and the noise of the big city would be o.k. for one or two days - but then I want to go to the painted desert and see the tepees! ... Or maybe back to Catoosa!
I have never had even the least bit of desire to go there...I don't gamble and I don't like crowds and all that noise...but Roger would go in a heartbeat. Just to see, like you guys.
Never been there and probably won't ever get there. So I will look at your pics instead. LOL
MB
I flew over Vegas when I was going to Arizona and wow, what a glitzy and bright city. I think I would tire of that environment day in and day out. The photos are lovely!
When I go somewhere, I don't want it to be like home--too many people and too noisy! Maybe that's why I don't go to the zoo anymore, it's just like home! One thing we don't have is all the pretty lights. You got some great shots!
How scary to be lost! I got lost in Hawaii once walking around in a downpour, but obviously found my hotel after a while. Gives you a funny feeling at the time, doesn't it?
I've never been to Vegas. One day...
Love your pics. The Excalabar looks like a cool place!
My husbands oldest daughter lived in Las Vegas for a while. We never did go to visit here there. She worked for one of the casinos but I can't remember which one.
Love your shots but I'm like you, not a fan of noise and crowds.
Been there many times and enjoyed every time. There is so much more around there to see and enjoy besides casinos. We always stayed downtown at the Golden Nugget as it is not so congested like the strip. It would take you all day to walk the strip. Too much walking for me.
A whole lot has changed since the last time I was in Vegas.
We've been to Vegas four times now. We fly in, stay a night or two, rent a car and head out of town to explore. We usually stay at the Orleans, a few blocks from the strip, and take the shuttle into town. I would never want to drive on the strip.
I like the glitz and glamor but only in short spurts. The last time we were down was for the Vegas to Reno desert race, we were so busy we never even saw the strip.
oh Betsy,
My hubby and brother went to Vegas for a cow meeting, and although the meeting was nice, and they saw a lot, they didn't really like it either. They prefer the bush over the city too i guess...
Thanks
Leontien
Vegas is fun to go once in awhile - and it is exciting once in awhile - however I wouldn't want to live there or go stay for awhile.
Great pictures!
Oh how I wish you had chosen The Venetian! It is incredible! But like you, I can only take so much of the city noise before I need to be with nature:)
I went to Vegas once with Jeff because he had a conference at the Belagio. We were there for three days. It certainly is something to see all lit up! My favorite part was the people movers. I did a lot of walking and shopping while he was in meetings, and because of those people moves, I covered a lot more territory that I normally would. Which is a good thing, because I really needed to work off the calories from my daily Cafe Bellagio waffle breakfast. (I ordered it the first day, and I was Hooked!)
The food in Vegas certainly is first-rate! I'm glad you got to experience one night of it.
I have never been to Vegas and even though Wayne would like to go, it wouldn't be one of the first places I would want to see. Give me a quiet sleepy little town anytime. ;)
But at least you experienced it once Betsy ~ good for you!
xo Catherine
Vegas surprises you. I've only been there once. We did the same as you - ate. I was too tired to drive down on the strip....and the cars were lined up for miles it seemed. Diane
Looks like lots of fun....hugs...m...
Hi Betsy, i am like you about nature, people, noise. I laughed at your description when you said "never heard such noise in my life". I share the same feelings you wrote here. However, all George's photos are great, very clear and professional. Why didn't you include any of your own? haha! We are going to see another waterfall this weekend, we will be away for 6 days and I thought about you, wish you will see the falls we will visit!
Oh wow, your pictures are just amazing!!
Betsy, I really like the second to last photo. The Statue of Liberty and the stop light. To me, that is just a great capture amongst traffic and hoards of hotels along the strip. Nope never been to Vegas and mostly likely don't plan to. We have been and enjoyed Beau Rivage in Biloxi several times. I enjoy that one because it's right on the water and I love the Gulf Coast. Yes, we do the slots, we take $20 each and play as long as we can and laugh ourselves silly. We found slots for $.5 and had such a silly, great time. We enjoy the buffet and the room looking over the water, but Vegas is way too much for our tastes. Like you, we don't like traffic. Heck we go away to get away from the traffic here, lol. Several years ago we saw David Copperfield at the Beau and that was an outstanding show. Just luck, he was appearing when we were there. Have also been in Harrords in New Orleans, to use the restroom on New Year's Day one year! That was our first time in a casino and only because everything was closed. We had been to TX to see our son graduated from Basic in AF and I wanted to show Terry New Orleans. Our son was stationed in Biloxi and that is how we started going to the Beau. He took us for the buffet and that night we actually doubled our $20, lol. Fun post, Betsy. Blessings.
I ouldn't even be tempted to go! Crowds and noise - ugh!
I'm with you..nature first. You did well with the photos from a car. It is a big, noisy, glitzy town. Fun to visit, once. We stayed in the hotel in your 3rd photo up from the bottom. The Tropicana next to MGM. I agree the buffet's were huge and cheap. We walked and walked too. It was very hot even after nightfall. We enjoyed the fountain at Bellagio Hotel.
Bob and I are talking about going to Vegas in December. It's too soon to say if the talk will turn into action .. we will just have to wait and see. Love the pictures that you did take!
I have not been to Vegas either and it is not at the top of my list to visit. There was a time I enjoyed being in a city because there was so much to do but like you, give me the outdoors without skyscrapers any day.
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