Well, what to say about Vegas that hasn't already been said? It is absolutely jaw-dropping - a bit like Dubai on steroids, with all inhibitions gone, dish-dashas thrown to one side and moral rectitude ditched forever - but what fun! Neither Iain nor I can understand what anyone gets from the flashing machines and one-armed bandits that take up so much space, but judging from from the amount of space them lined up like soldiers and the number of people that throng around, they clearly hold some sway. The tables looked more fun, but with 3 impressionable children in tow, we were there to spectate not speculate, so were content with just soaking up the atmosphere in the betting mecca of the world. What we attempted instead was to do as much of 'free' Vegas as we could, and to that end we definitely came out winners! We watched some great circus acts in 'Circus Circus', visited the ducks, swans and flamingos at 'Flamingo', watched the Greek animatronic show at Caesar's Palace, and enjoyed the wonderful music & fountain display at Bellagios. (Can't think where the Dubai Mall got it's inspiration from!) From the indoor 'Ibn Battuta'-style shopping malls designed to part you from your pennies while you escape the searing heat outside, to the shiny, chandeliered reception areas with their fountains and high ceilings, we could almost think ourselves back 'home' in Dubai - except of course for the drinking & gambling! A very late night for us all, demonstrating a shameful lack of responsible parenting, but it's some sort of education I suppose...!
Then it was back on the road again and through some major landscape changes to get from Nevada's desert heat, past the breath-takingly hot but spectacular Hoover Dam and on to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. We went from sand and rocks, through the soft, dry yellow grasslands, to the tufty rocks and joshua trees, past the thickening grey clouds and the rainbow, until we reached the hot but green, pine-clad environs of the Grand Canyon Village.
We enjoyed an action-packed day at what is undisputedly one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. From different angles and at different times of day, the canyon took on many varied hues and tones, but not once did it fail to take your breath away. We managed to fit in a bus ride, a hike, a walk through the village, a brilliantly and enthusiastically presented geology presentation (that even held the attention of the least scientific minded amongst us!) The children then got involved in a really fun Ranger-led session on the birds that live in the area. I now have two Junior Rangers with the badge to prove it! (Rosie was 'too cool for school' but helped Ted and teased Jemima instead). The highlight of the trip must have been the Sunset tour that took us to a few prime locations to watch the sun go down. Truly amazing. And hopefully Iain has finally managed to take that elusive 'sunset' pic!
Packed up early next day - Iain was up at 5.30 to watch the sun rise over the canyon - and then set off for the last of our major roadtrips to where we are now - Twentynine Palms, a stop-off to break up the journey on the way to our last destination tomorrow - Los Angeles. Not quite the 'luxury / lazy' stop-off we'd envisaged because the pool is being re-filled but managed to entertain the kids with the in-room jacuzzi and disney channel instead (how spoilt have we become!)
Had a fabulous supper this evening - one of the best we've had since we've got here! - and sooooo looking forward to LA tomorrow. So can't be glum about the fact that it's now our last w/e in the States. Plenty more to cram in to our last few days and lots more 'California dreaming' before Monday afternoon's flight back to nametape sewing and London commute! Til then it's beddies for me - sweet dreams all xxx
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