Grand Canyon,Hoover Dam,L.V. Strip Helicopter Ride

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  London, Nevada, United States
Monday, February 18, 2008

Well it had been a pretty hectic and mad few days!!!! On Friday I booked myself onto a Helicopter Trip for the Grand Canyon. As I had benefitted from a small win on the blackjack yesterday I decided to upgrade the trip to a better one. this included a Limo ride to the airport, a copter ride that took you over las vegas, then over Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam then the Grand Canyon. With this one though the helicopter actually lands in the Grand Canyon, you get to drink Champagne and eat snacks, while you are taking your photos. Before I go on, I must say thanks ( in no particular order ) to Andy, Bev, Jules, Mark, Karen and Rob who gave me money for my 40th irthday, this is what I spent it on. The extra should have been funded by my win the day before ( unfortunately that was lost back on the blackjack tables on the friday though!!!
The trip was spectacular. The pilot was great and gave a good commentary about where we were, history etc. it was a beautiful day too, sunny and luckily the wind had died down from the day before so the ride was a fairly smooth one.
Have took loads of photos, ans at some point will try to get a few on here ( But not at $12 per bloody hour internet access - wot a rip off !!!! ) I can only describe it as spectacular. The vastness and the beauty of the Canyon is amazing. I have took photos on my new camera I bought here in Vegas ( Yes, Visa does seem in meltdown already !! ) The pictures look great, but dont do it justice. It does feel like a once in a lifetime treat though. Anyone coming to here has just got to do it!!!  So this without doubt has been the highlight of my stay in Vegas. I have had 5 nights here and am leaving today. I have met some nice, weird and wonderful people also.
Whoever it was that asked, No the Welsh girls were not on the chopper ( Although I bet a couple of them had been more than a few times !!! )  I met a mad couple called Jerry and Lorraina who are from LA. They were great, and spent a long evening in a bar in the Hotel called Dick's Last Resort. It was a very zany place, that served food, based on the Faulty Towers theme of you get what you are given. The staff all needed certifying, but it made great entertainment.
The funniest part was when some Americans would come in, and had not read the signs outside !!! So they were expecting great, deferential service, and all the y were getting was sarcastic remarks, napkins ( by the dozen ) chucked at them, shouted at etc etc. My sort of place anyway. Is there anything like this in the UK??? I am sure it would go down a storm anyway!
Have not done too bad on the blackjack tables either. I think I am only about $150 dollars down over the 5 days - not bad I think.  Had a couple of nice steaks in one of the Hotel restaurants also - New York steak for $7, not bad.
Have also done the obligatory tour of all the big hotels, that everyone seems to do when they are here. My favourites still are New York, New York ( nextdoor ). The Bellagio ( Fantastic interior! ) the fountains are a must see, amazing! I also liked the Venetian, with the Gondoliers - amazing. There were still more to do, but gave up, as it was a holiday weekend ( Monday is President's Day - Glad we dont have a prime Minister's day - But don't get me on that !! ) and the place was packed so didnt get to the Luxor or Mandalay Bay etc etc. Will need a return trip at some point I suppose.......!!!!!!
Well I now have to go and get my stuff, as I have got to find my way to the greyhound coach station downtown ( Downtown - what a s**thole !! ) Was not impressed with downtown other than the fremont street experience!!! Lots of down and outs and drunks about !!! ( Linfords and SBS's would love it ! )
Anyway got a 15 hour coach trip to San Francisco tonight ( Back to reality budget wise !!! )

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