Las Vegas
So imagine Las Vegas, aka the Sin City, with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR kids in tow!! Yep - not exactly the first choice for a family visit given its renowned casinos, gambling scene and adult-orientated entertaining. However, as we were practically driving past, we thought we'd add a dash of unexpected adventure and learning to our family escapades. On the very first day, Fin got tickled by a burlesque dancer's feathers and witnessed a "woman" using the urinal - definitely a whole new level of learning happening here!!
We kicked off our first day of exploring at the legendary "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, a symbol of Vegas dating back to 1959. Featured on countless postcards, fridge magnets and in numerous films, we couldn't resist capturing the Destecroix version of the iconic photo!
After driving into town we found we'd parked behind the M&Ms store - a four story wonderland of chocolate themed displays. After working our way through here and then navigating through the Coca-Cola universe, we crossed over the street to enter the New York hotel. Oh my goodness, our brains were absolutely scrambled by our first experience of the incredible immersiveness that the hotels aspire to here. Feeling like we had stepped back in time to old-school New York, we strolled through the shops and around the casino, fully intending to return later for the rollercoaster ride through Manhattan after grabbing a bite to eat.
We made our way back out onto the strip away from New York New York and ended up strolling from the south end towards the High Roller at the north end with soooo much to take in as we went, an assault on the senses with every step. Walking past different skyscrapers, the L'Arc de Triomphe and the legendary Eiffel Tower - it's like a mini world tour with every step along here.
We made it to the LINQ promendade, an outdoor shopping, dining, and enteratinment area right next to the High Roller and the LINQ and Flamingo hotels. The cashier at Walmart last night recommended a pizza place for us to try - Giordano's - and guess what? We ended up right outside it. With the kids seriously hangry by this point, we gladly stumbled in, ready for a decent feed.
Conveniently, right outside the restaurant, there was a Vegas-style sweet shop calling out to us. The kids decided to forego dessert in the restaurant and instead went on their best shopping spree in here. Armed with their sweets, we headed for the High Roller which is Vegas's equivalent to London's Millennium Wheel. Standing at a height of 550 feet and with a diameter of 520 feet, it holds the title of the world's tallest observation wheel.
By an absolute stroke of luck, we found ourselves in our very own little glass bubble, ready to soak in the sights and revel in some much-needed peace and quiet. For the half hour ride, we were able to marvel at the stunning sights of the Las Vegas strip and the whole of the city surrounding us. We also got a little crash course in Vegas history, courtesy of a video playing in the background. We learned all about the original mobster who kickstarted this whole casino craze and who built the first hotel on the strip - The Flamingo. Located right next to the wheel, we knew instantly that our next stop had to be this spot.
After our stroll through The Flamingo - where real flamingos reside, because, well it's Vegas - we ventured next door to The Horseshoe and ended up stumbling on the "Real Bodies" exhibit. This museum showcases the incredible feats of the human body and it's quite an eye-opener. Definitely one for brave souls and inquisitive minds, the immersive displays feature more than twenty real human bodies generously donated to science. These bodies have been expertly dissected and preserved to give you a close up look at the intricate details of human anatomy, from organs to systems. This educational experience offered us a unique lesson in human biology that we DEFINITELY weren't expecting to find in Vegas! Never mind a science lesson dissecting a pigs heart.. this was some seriously incredible learning.
Exiting the exhibit, we were greeted by the transformation of the sky from daylight hues to the dreamy pinks, telling us it will soon be turning to night. Feeling the shift in the city's ambience and feeling little hands hold on that bit closer to our own, we decided to call it a day, with plans to come back tomorrow to tick off the New York rollercoaster, the Bellagio and the Venetian hotels from our wish lists.
Recovering from the sensory overload of yesterday, everyone is happy taking it easy in the morning. We finally ventured out around lunchtime and enjoyed a lunch at Planet Hollywood. Now, while most people are out in Vegas enjoying big-name acts like Adele or Cirque de Soleil, we stumbled upon something truly unique at the V theatre in Planet Hollywood - Popovich's Pet Theatre! Don't even ask how we ended up here! Picture this: a maestro of a circus performer who not only entertains but also personally trains a troupe of cats, dogs and other animals that he has rescued from shelters. Move over, Vegas - the real show is right here! It actually turned out to be such a hilarious and heartwarming experience to witness these animals shine on stage thanks to his dedication and love. What a memorable, if not completely random, find.
From here we ventured across the bridge over Las Vegas Boulevard to the Bellagio Hotel. The Conservatory and Botanical Garden truly blew our minds - it was like stepping into a botanical fairy wonderland on steroids! As we were leaving, we passed the incredible Chihuly glasswork covering the lobby ceiling - a 2000 square foot blown glass masterpiece known as Fiori di Como. We stepped outside to witness the grand finale - the legendary Bellagio Fountain Show. The water synchronised in time with the music, shooting up to a whopping 240 feet above the massive 8.5 acre man-made lake. And, in typical travelling with kids style, that's just when Fin decided to throw a dramatic tantrum! Plopping down on the floor right as the spectacular fountain show kicked off - classic!
I was on a mission to get to the Venetian, but alas, we had to make a detour to revive Fin before he wasted away right there and then in front of us, and started searching for an ice cream shop instead. Now with the Venetian and New York taunting us from opposite ends of the strip, and our kids running out of steam in the middle, we finally waved the white flag and admitted defeat. They were definitely exhausted from the intense environment, especially being such a stark contrast to all of our recent open-air National Park visits. We also managed to cover over 10km on our feet here yesterday and were already at 5km today, so it wasn't even that we were easing up on the walking front. The real nail in the coffin, just when we thought we could relax with some ice cream, out pops a wild homeless man, growling and roaring in our faces! Time to make a swift exit, especially with Poppy and Fin clinging to us for dear life!
Sometimes you just have to accept that wrangling four kids through Las Vegas is a battle you're not meant to win! Since its Halloween tomorrow, we decide to bring it back to PG and head to Walmart to choose some pumpkins.
We start the next day by turning the pumpkins into works of art - Dan particularly proud of this years masterpiece. We head off downtown by mid-morning to Freemont Street - the original Vegas strip. We take in all the street performers but to be honest, we’re all exhausted with walking and seeing the “sights” now. We make a pit stop for some doughnuts before heading to the other end of the strip to check out Container Park. We plop down while the younger two go wild at the playground and the older girls wander around the shops.
After asking in the camp shop, we discover that there is a family-friendly and safe neighbourhood for trick or treating just a stones throw away from us in Henderson. Keen to immerse ourselves in the American Halloween spirit, we make our way there. The entire Green Valley Ranch main shopping street is transformed into a Halloween wonderland - everyone decked out in elaborate costumes, even the dogs getting in on the action. The shops have set up stalls for the kids to enjoy trick or treating and there’s a perfect family friendly atmosphere (what we've been missing!) with live music and competitions for various costume categories. We stick around to watch the cuteness overload of the 0-3 age group category before heading back to the RV with full buckets in every sense!
Taking advantage of the car hire we arranged for our stay here, the next day we head off to visit the iconic Hoover Dam, just a thirty minute drive from here. As we explore this historical landmark, we are once again in awe of the mighty Colorado River, discovering the purpose behind the dam's construction - protecting California and Arizona from the devastating floods it was renowned for. The power of this river, and the size of the dam, yet again leaves us speechless! A fact we also learn is that the dam also serves as a massive powerplant, generating hydro electric power, providing electricity to Nevada, Arizona and California.
As the day progressed, I frustratingly couldn't ignore that my rheumatoid arthritis was flaring up - just not suited to cities and concrete! Despite exploring for a couple of hours, the unfortunate reality is that we have to cut our visit to the dam short and skip the tour that Dan was dying to go on. It's really frustrating feeling this way, dealing with pain and swelling in my joints and the fatigue that comes over me.
As we head back to the RV park, everyone is ecstatic that I'm having a flare, because this means they've missed the tour too! They all dive into the pool, enjoy the hot tub and freshen up singing in the showers together. Dan and I take it easy and slowly gear up for getting back on the road tomorrow for our next adventure.
How to sum up Vegas? I think Floss nailed it when she said, "it's too big and there's too much going on!”. Trying to navigate that madness with the four scallywags in tow was a whole new level of overstimulation! When it comes to planning a return visit to tick off those places we didn't get to see, we're on the fence. We're still happiest being country bumpkins who need our dose of sea air, which, spoiler alert, Vegas lacks! Nevertheless, there’s no mistake it has made a lasting impression on us and we are grateful for the unforgettable memories we made.
Next stop… Back to California and the National Parks… first stop - Death Valley…