Chilling out in Las Vegas

We had thoughts of going to a couple of National Parks around Las Vegas but decided against it as we were really tired. Instead we slept in, chilled out and headed to the strip just before noon. 

The main boulevards are so wide, up to four lanes wide. They create a perpendicular grid and are surprisingly frequent. You would think that the simplest things like buying groceries and petrol would go easily, but not so. You have to prepay for the petrol (no guessing why) and between lbs and club cards supermarket shopping is messy. The groceries are also noticeably more expensive here than the UK. However, we are happy with this adjustment as the whole place is so chilled out.

 The first thing our kids noticed as we approached the strip was the working roller coaster. It certainly is the entertainment capital of the world. It's hard to see anyone getting bored here. Just for convenience the main international airport is no less than one kilometer from the strip. Arrive and away you go.

We parked in a building and immediately entered what was the M&M building floor 4. A dancing M&M, OK and whats more three other floors of the same M&M merchandise. They did show a free 3D movie and it was actually really good.

After some time we departed and just wandered down the strip, cool. It was hot though so we headed across the street and into the New York - New York Hotel and Casino where the roller coaster was located. Julia was on tippie toes but just wasn't tall enough so we gave the coaster away. Its immense in these places. From where we entered there were a number of shops and food outlets. Then we went down an escalator onto the main casino level. It was like a massive cavern, 

maybe 100 meters square with no pillars holding anything up. To

one side there was an alley with more restaurants. The main area was full of slot machines. The poker tables looked the most authentic and even the roulette wheel was electronic.

We found the arcade area and indulged the kids. Holly enjoyed shooting spiders from a jeep.

Time was flying so we made our last stop the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Like most things in this place it was extravagantly made. For us a chance to eat ice creams. We are not learning though. Small here is bigger than medium at home. Needless to say I had to finish off plenty of ice cream. We had the same problem at McD's and for the first time in my life left food behind. Unfortunately the effects are noticeable on most locals waistlines.