The Luxor Hotel & Tutankhamen’s burial chamber
I am starting to realise that you “do” Vegas by pretty much walking around the hotels. So, we walked to the Luxor, which meant going past the Excalibur Hotel.
The Excalibur is build like a fairy-tale version of Camelot, complete with Turrets and knights. It is pretty cool – if not a bit cheesy. However the lighting at night is really impressive – it looks fantastic!
The Luxor has a full size model of Tutankhamen’s burial chamber, complete with artifacts and audio-guide. It is an interesting glimpse into Ancient Egypt, and has re-affirmed my wishes to travel to Egypt at some stage.
The irony of course being that his tomb is in the Valley of the Kings, and not in Luxor!
The Hotel is also home to the world’s largest atrium, and an IMAX theatre.
You do find yourself using the term "world’s largest" quite a lot in Vegas!
The Springbok Slots
I decided to try the slots today. You can play 1c machines, and really play for fun. We sat down at a random machine, and yes of all the thousands of slot machines in Vegas, I picked the African-themed slot. Zebras, lions, springboks etc.
I managed to get up to almost $3, so was doing well, but then after 1/2 hour I lost it all – my $1 (ohhh noises now) as all gone.
It was kinda cool, but becomes a bit aimless after a while.
I must point out that I won on the lions, I won on the zebras, I was king of Africa at one stage, but I never won on the springboks!
Off to see the Blue Man Group tonight.
Vegas – land of excess
What can I say? Yesterday we saw lions in our hotel (in their den), saw a live rock band, a fake volcano erupt 100 feet into the air, gambled, and even got some sleep. We missed the pirate battle, but maybe tonight!
Vegas is the land of excess – complete sensory overload. Light and sounds everywhere – even slots at the airport. We are staying at the MGM Grand hotel – with over 5000 rooms, and a casino area of 151000 sq ft, and a 17000 seat arena.
David Copperfield is playing at the hotel and near by are the Beach Boys, ZZ Top, Tom Jones, Toni Braxton, Jay Leno and get this – Barry Manilow!
So we are off to see the New York Skyline, then going to Luxor to see a full size replica of King Tut’s tomb. Oh, we are going to go past Camelot
You can come here and visit the world!
ps Fear and loathing in Las Vegas now has a new meaning to me!
Pics of Kite Surfing in Muizenberg
It was quite a windy day in Sunday in Muizenberg, so the kite surfers were out in full force. Here are a few photos that I took on the beach. Looking at the antics these guys do, they are nuts! But it looks like loads of fun!
Lets make that 16 means of Transport in USA – the Limo
On Thursday I phoned to book a cab to take us to the airport from Manhattan to JFK Airport on Friday.
So, we were all packed, waiting at the hotel reception for the cab to arrive, when an eight seat stretch Limo pulled up at the door. It could not possibly be ours. The driver walked in to reception and walked straight up to us. "Are you room 522?" – he asked.
Yes – the Limo was ours! So, Lois and I went to JFK airport in style. I really felt like a rock star. It was fantastic! I have no idea why we got a stretch Limo, I have no idea why it cost the same as a yellow cab – but I was not going to complain.
So, New York – we will be back soon. Keep up the style!