Los Vegas

Ok so lots has happened since the last post. For starters, I did go on that bike ride from Santa Monica south. I got to Santa Monica, and discovered it happened to be foggy. Visability was at about 50m I would guess. Regardless, I hired a bike from a reputable cash only bike place and was on my way. I would love to say the fog lifted, but it didn't, so I just had 22miles of fog. I did get lost in Marina Del Ray, which was a little worrying (it wasn't the nice part of Marina Del Ray). I saw the sights though, Muscle Beach, Venice Beach, Manhatten Beach etc.. Honestly, LA beaches are pretty ordinary. Just loads of dirty sand.

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for lunch. We headed into Beverly Hills to the Cheesecake Factory. I enjoyed a great BBQ and Bacon burger with a chocolate milkshake. It was quite a big serving, and as I was raised to eat everything on my plate I was feeling very much bloated. Needless to say I could have enjoyed my walk down Rodeo drive if I wasn't concentrating so hard on not puking all over the sidewalk. From what I do remember, there were heaps of shops that I am sure are famous. The owner of the most expensive shop in the world's Bugatti Veyron parked out the front which was awesome to see in the flesh. It was now happy hour at the bar in our hotel, so we called it a day and headed to the bar. We spent the night enjoying cocktails and appetizers. In my view, a great way to finish my time in LA.

The next day we checked out and began our trek west to Los Vegas. The journey wasn't too eventful. We had lunch in Baker, and spent 5USD/gal at an interstate stop for petrol cause I forgot to in Baker... The urinal in the place was pretty neat. It was a fountain that you got too add too, perhaps a taste for what's to come?

We pulled off the interstate at about 4:30 and made our way to Las Vegas boulevard (or, The Strip) it was immediately clear we had left planet earth and had landed on some strange planet. It is truly indescribable (and more so by night..) As you drive uo, you see Luxors Sphinx, the skyline of New York, the Eifal tower, St Marks Square, and who knows what else. It was hard to stay on track driving seeing all the iconic hotels. We finally made it through all the traffic and checked into our Hotel, the Palazzo. This place is amazing. the grand entry way is way over the top, with massive murals, marble as far as you can see, a waterfall, several huge fountains and many many staff. And then we reached our room. The bathroom alone is bigger than many of the rooms I have stayed in on this trip. We have two king size bed, a lounge, and a massive bathroom. We are very comfortable.

After making myself comfortable in the room and went to the pool. Afterwards, I went on my first discovery tour. I wondered down the strip past Ceasers and into the Ballagio. I caught the very tail end of one of Bellagio's water shows, which was awesome. Then back along towards my hotel, then up to the Riviera and Circus Circus. By the time I got back to the room it was 1:30am, and definately time for bed. The next day (Wednesday for those playing at home) was spent pretty much just walking around the strip hotels near ours. These included: The Venetian, Ceasars, The Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York, New York and I am sure others. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and I over indulged myself again... All the hotels are amazing. My limited grasp of the English Language doesn't do them justice, so i'm not going to try. You just have to see them to believe. The long day ended with a small dinner before waiting the Treasure Island free show, which was pretty crap. Although the set was pretty impressive.

Thursday was the day we had booked to go and see the Vegas show 'Peep Show, starring play boy playmate Holly Maddison. The day started with breakfast at our hotel, before heading out to Hoover Dam. Hoover dam is awesome. Possibly not quite as big as I had thought, but none the less very impressive. I went for a 30min tour to the diversion tunnels and power house and then walked into Arizona across the dam wall taking many photos. On the way back to the hotel, I had a milkshake from Dairy Queen for lunch. Once back at the hotel I went to the gym and spent an hour or so on the stationary bikes, though of course these were like computer games, with handlebars that moved, and a screen which simulated an actual track with turns, ups and downs. It was pretty cool. Afterwards I went for a quick dip before heading back to the room to get ready for the show. The show itself was very entertaining. It told the story of a poor hot white chick who was lonely. She was led through a fairy tail adventure of new experiences. Not sure exactly whether her problems were resolved, but the show ended with much dancing and bare breasts. I may have been distracted. Anyways we walked back to our hotel and hung out for a little while at one of the bars on the gambling floor before calling it a night.

Today I had booked a flight to the south rim of the Grand Canyon then a helicopter flight around the rim before stopping for a late lunch at the main over look. I had booked late, so I was warned that I would have the only non window seat. I was however invited to enjoy the trip standing in the cockpit, which was awesome. Not only did I get to enjoy the sights from the front seat, I got to see the pilots doing their thing. In my view, I didn't miss out on anything sitting where I did.

Once landed at the south rim, I was ferried to the tour companies head quarters where I waited for my helicopter ride. I also lucked out here. I had the front right seat, which 270degree views out of the helicopter. We flew west from the airport, across to the north rim, before flowwing pretty much the same trip back. It was well worth doing. The canyon is huge. It is deep, it is wide, there are many ravines, different strata of rock all of which have different colours, it has stacks of vegetation some of which the leaves were changing colours. It was a visual feast. I hope the photos turn out ok. Anyways, the flight back wasn't quite as exciting, as we were flying directly west straight into the sun, so visibility was minimal. I'm back at the hotel now, have had dinner and am having an early night in preparation of my racing tomorrow morning.