Sharon & I travelled to USA for our 2 weeks winter break. We decided to self-drive throughout the trip. Although I have driven in America before, this would be my first long distance driving holidays. We arrived at LA Airport early in the morning, picked up the rental car, and set off immediately to Las Vegas. I must say now that was not a wise thing to do since I had little sleep from the long flight. Plus I would be driving on unfamiliar territory and on the other side of the road. It was indeed a harrowing but challenging experience. This is our travel route.
The drive from LA to Vegas took more than 5 hours, as we stopped at Barstow Factory Outlet on the way. We travelled along the Mojave Highway that has many scenic spots. Unfortunately, we were rushing for time so we did not stop to take any photos. It was evening when we reach The Hilton Grand Vacation Club, where we stayed four nights.
The circus is in town?
Wynn, one of the many popular casino hotels in Las Vegas
I promised the wife this would be a shopping trip with many visits to the factory & premium outlets. In fact, I was the one who kick started the shopping when I lay my hand on the new iPhone. What a joy!
The Las Vegas Strip, famously known for its shows beside the casino activities.
Several talk shows and musicals were playing.
Inside The Venetian. Saint Mark's Square at The Grand Canal Shoppes is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Gondola ride anyone?
Phantom was playing daily here and since we have watched it, we gave it a miss.
The ever colourful Harrah's
Treasure Island Hotel is home to Cirque du Soleil. We wanted to but eventually did not watch the show.
I wanted so much to spend a few days up at the Grand Canyon, but the drive is just too much. Instead, we settled for a day trip to Hoover Dam.
Hoover Dam spans across two states, Nevada & Arizona.
A monument declaring Hoover Dam as an engineering masterpiece.
An upstream view. Notice the differing rock colours? That shows how much the water level has receded over the years.
An over head view of the dam's powerhouse where electricity is generated to supply to the states of California, Arizona & Nevada.
We left Las Vegas for San Diego. Although the return journey towards west is long, I have enough motivation to push on. For I have heard so much good review on San Diego's Seaworld, I just have to visit it.
And another travel trip awaiting....
