I have always loved traveling. In my view, it makes us more aware of the world around us and broadens our horizons. It is often said that travel is prejudiced to narrow-mindedness.
Living in the United States and away from one’s family can be boring but one fine day I took a road trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a four-hour drive from my home in California and I was all excited about what lay ahead for me.
After several hours of driving on dusty roads through the hot desert and dry, arid mountains, I finally reached my destination.
Las Vegas is the most populous city in America. It is also the financial and cultural hub of Southern Nevada and touted to be the entertainment capital of the world.
Vegas is famous for its high life, its glamor, a city that never goes to sleep and of course, the tourists.
I checked into the Circus hotel which is frequented by families. After a stroll I realized that the hotel actually had a circus show and many fun games like a toy camel race, shoot your aim and others for children and parents to enjoy. I saw many children, their faces glowing with happiness as they carried bags with their winnings of soft toys.
Inspired, I also tried my luck but failed to win a single game. Perhaps children today are smarter at winning games.
I moved ahead to see the other attractions. As the sun sets, the music and lights slowly took over the city.
The Las Vegas strip is popular for attractions like Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandala Bay and many other luxury hotels.
There are also huge stores of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace a virtual delight for brand crazy shopaholics, who would give anything to see these high end designer stores.
The evening and the sparkling lights brighten up the mood and spirits of all present. If one wants to see everything, one has to cover large distances on foot. Thankfully, the escalators strewn randomly across the wide open spaces or so it seems, suddenly come to the rescue.
Suddenly, I see a crowd rushing toward the fountains of Bellagio and I decide to join them.
The dancing water fountain outside the Bellagio luxury hotel romances your senses with its remarkable blend of water, lights and music. The show happens every fifteen minutes and is witnessed by hundreds of visitors frantically clicking at their cameras to capture the best shots to take back home. It is an unforgettable experience, indeed.
The hotel’s interior is a taste of royalty and a treat for the eyes.
The ceiling of the lobby is covered with a collection of over 2,000 hand blown glass flowers to form a magnificent chandelier in different colors all done by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly named Fiori di Como.
The backdrop of the reception is breath taking; orange, yellow and pink flowers that bloom in summer dominate the scenery with trees and water fountains while parachutes and hot air balloons hover above creating a lovely scene.
The conservatory and the botanical garden which celebrates the summer season display a themed summer garden party. The scenery is picturesque, beautiful with sunflowers, roses, birds, waterfalls resembling the idyllic scenes of Venice. Amidst the beauty of nature stands the bird house with its cute birds. Bellagio is a work of art, creative and well-executed both in architecture and décor.
The Caesars Palace is next. Set against the backdrop of the Roman era, it quite lives up to its name. The palace is huge and sports larger than life statues of Caesar and other Roman gods. The ceilings of the palace are high and there are huge pillars with water spouting from gargoyles.
The blue fake ceiling inside the Palace gives a different world feel, surrounded by almost all luxury designer stores like Dior, Fendi, Hermes and Jimmy Choo; there is no getting away from fashion but the prices will surely make a hole in your pocket.
Tired and exhausted I reach Cabo Wabo restaurant which has a live band churning out music. You can also eat outside in the open air if you like and enjoy the view of the beautiful buildings by night and the glowing Eiffel tower restaurant in the distance.
I finally head back to the hotel exhausted after a full day of enjoyment. I reach my 32nd-floor room only to see the glittering city from an eagle’s view from my window.
Las Vegas never sleeps but I have to go miles back home after my sleep.
Email: [email protected]
