On to Sin City, Las Vegas - June 3

Today we drove all the way to Las Vegas and got there in time to drive up and down the "Strip." I kind of knew Las Vegas wasn't my type of place (one reason why I've never been there), but I'm glad I went. I have never seen spectacle on such a huge scale and the hotels blew me away- we walked around the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace and we literally lost ourselves in the acres and acres of marble atriums, bars, lounges, shopping malls, fountains, gardens, and pools. My mom calls it "heaven on earth" and loves it here, but the neon lights, prostitutes, strip clubs, and smoky casinos are giving me a headache.

The world-famous (or infamous) "Strip" in Las Vegas- a garish, vulgar tribute to hedonism.

Are we in Paris now? No- Las Vegas has re-created entire European streets in a gigantic, over the top fantasy-land.

One thing I do like about Las Vegas is the excellent food- we had a great dinner at the Bellagio Cafe that was probably the best meal I've had on this trip. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit one of the famous all you can eat buffets before heading to Los Angeles.