Las Vegas Diary: 3

According to the scheme of things, the following day was for the Grand Canyon. Started from the hotel at 8, though we were supposed to leave earlier than that. In total, it was a four and a half hour drive, all the way to the South Rim.

                                                                  On the road to Canyon

We stopped in between for breakfast and then for lunch at Sophie's Mexican Kitchen, just a few miles away from the Canyon. And arrived at the South entrance, at 2:30 (one hour was added due to time difference between Arizona and Nevada). Bought the entry pass, valid for seven days and moved on to the visitor center, where we parked our car. 

                                                             Our Pass to the Grand Canyon

And after studying the map, the first place where we wanted to go was, the 'Mather Point'. So we waited for the shuttle and it took us there in 5 mins. The views from Mather point, were enchanting, totally unbelievable. It definitely should be one of the natural wonders of the world. We enjoyed the scenery and got some pretty amazing shots.

Afterwards, we left for our next pit-stop, and that was 'Yaki Point'. It is one of the famous tourist spots and only shuttle bus can take you there, as cars are not allowed on that road. So we got off there, and surely it also had some awesome views and less crowds. It had a panoramic view of the Canyon. And we had a great time. We got back to the visitor center, did some souvenir shopping. From there, we picked up our car and moved on to see 'Desert View', which was about 25 miles from there.

                                                                 Grand Canyon

Far more than expectation, Desert view was phenomenal. There was a light house and a view that was unmatchable. It had so many points from where one could see the turn in the canyon, it was breathtaking. I don't think, i even have words to describe it. Totally, out of this world. We spent a lot of time there, just relaxing and enjoying the unbeatable landscape over a cup of coffee.

We got back to hotel quite late in the night, as it was a long drive. It was an experience of a lifetime.

Las Vegas Diary: 2

Next day, we left from hotel at 11 in the morning, to 'Hoover Dam', which was almost a 45 minute drive from there. It is one of the most famous tourist places near Las Vegas. 

Built in 1931 and 1936 and is located near Boulder City. It lies at the border of Nevada and Arizona, on the Colorado River. The dam is a National Historic Landmark and was the largest dam of its time. Definitely, its one of the massive structures (726.5 feet high), I have ever seen and looking down at it can actually make your head spin.

 

En route to Hoover Dam

We arrived at the destination at 12, after a 20 mins wait for the parking spot. And came down to the visitor center, and then on to the see the Dam. Along the way, there were many artworks, like the flagpost and the two-winged figures, a bronze high scaler statue. We walked around the place, and saw some of the most amazing views from the top of the dam and clicked some stunning shots. 

And also saw the border of Nevada and Arizona, where they have put up clocks to see the time difference of one hour between the two sides. Spent almost two hours there and also bought souvenirs. It was a wonderful experience. From there we left for Lake Mead. 

Lake Mead, was about a 10 mins drive from the Dam. Created by the construction of Hoover Dam, as blocking of Colorado River, diverted the water towards Mojave desert leading to the creation of  Lake Mead. It is the largest man-made lake in the US ( area of 1.5 million acres ). 

                                                                         Lake Mead

We entered the Lake Recreation Area, after buying a pass which usually has a validity of seven days. And of course, the next step was to go through the map. to get a fair idea of the area. The closest was Boulder Beach, 5 mins drive from the entrance station and we were on our way to get the first glimpse of the splendid waters. It sure was a captivating sight, with deep blue water enclosed by rock hills along with the perfect blue sky and the peaceful surroundings - it felt like as if we were in the lap of serenity.

Spent some time soaking in the immense beauty of the Lake and clicked some pictures as well. And left for Las Vegas Bay, which was about 15 miles from there. Again, what we saw was unparalleled, the views were just magical. We were there for a while. It was very difficult to leave a place like this but only with a promise of coming back again.

Las Vegas Diary : 1

A trip planned during the thanksgiving holidays, gives ample time to explore the place. And what better opportunity to visit 'Las Vegas', Nevada than this. We had a morning flight from La Guardia Airport, NY and we were there in time. While waiting in the lounge for boarding, we came across an actor from 'Outsourced'. She is one of the funniest characters in the show and I went ahead and asked her to confirm. It was her only, along with another actor.

We boarded the flight at 8 but it was delayed by an hour due to visibility issues in Chicago. And that made the connection to Vegas really tight, we made it somehow. The view from plane before landing was breathtaking, Vegas looked like a small green patch surrounded by desert all around. And finally, we arrived at McCarren International Airport, Las Vegas around 2:30 in the afternoon. From there on, we claimed our baggage and left for hotel.

                                                                 Signboards

The journey was definitely tiring, so we tried to relax in the room for a while and went out to see the strip in the evening. The strip - was fabulous, just the right word to summarize the view. Flickering lights, zooming traffic, towering buildings, hustle-bustle of the crowd and the fountains at Bellagio - it was mesmerizing.

                                                                Fountains @ Bellagio

We had a great evening and got back to hotel after dinner. The following day, we had plans to see Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. 

Revisited : Atlantic City

Saturday evening trip to Atlantic City was a memorable one. Though we had no plans, till 4 in the evening; my husband suggested the place for a short outing and we were on our way at 5:30.

                                                                 Ceasers n Trump Plaza

The drive to the city was about two hours and we arrived at eight, with a stop in between at Dunkin' Donuts to grab some refreshments for the way. We parked the car and went straight to the boardwalk, to retrace our steps from the last visit in April, 2010. It was like reliving the experience again, we went to the pier 1 shops and also the stunning rooftop restaurant. 

                                                                         Ceasers

Then of-course, the Trump Plaza, Ceasers and last but not the least Tropicana. We had dinner in the same restaurant and tried our luck on slot machines too.

We had an amazing time. And left for home around 11:30. Again, a pleasant drive back, with some more memories of one of our favorite places.