Beyond the silver rainbow: Unreal reality, really..!?

It was a ninety-minute flight from San Fransisco to Las Vegas. As the plane began its descent, I saw nothing but the desert, mountains and some dusty roads. Suddenly a suburb appeared nestled by dark asphalt roads. In the backyards I recognized swimming pools and palm trees. Then I saw the strip with its casinos and hotels. The first thing inside the airport were the slot machines. Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas!

Once I got settled in the Mirage, my home for the next days, I went to explore the hotel/casino. It felt like being in another world, so many rooms, restaurants, slot machines and table games under one roof.

Seventeen of the 25 biggest hotels in the world are located on the Las Vegas Strip (by the number of rooms). During my stay I visited many just for sightseeing. It was unreal to walk in short distances to places resembling Egypt, New York, Paris, Italy and more. I felt like being in a sort of Disneyland. Well-known ‘landmarks’ outdoors were the Eiffel tower, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Piazza San Marco with the Campanile, Rialto bridge and the Colosseum. Exploring those resorts was not always simple. The buildings are huge and a couple of times I couldn't find the door I came in. Luckily they have maps :)

I discussed with some locals about the life and it didn’t sound all that good. It didn’t seem to be a place to live with a family. On the other hand, I can’t say much about the Vegas life between the desert and the strip.

At sunset some casinos started free outdoor attractions, like the volcano show outside the Mirage. The Fountains of Bellagio were my personal favorite; music in combination with water fountains.

During the evenings all casinos offered different shows and concerts. I went to see Love (Cirque de Soleil). This show was all about the Beatles. There were some breathtaking moments while some artists performed high above the stage.

More than a couple of days in Las Vegas without traveling to a National or State Park is a stretch. Many things start to be the same just in a different suit. But for a couple of days it’s great fun..!