So we headed towards the Grand Canyon and we had decided after careful consideration that we we were gong to visit the south rim as all the guide book said this was the best place. We got up early and started the drive which was about 70 miles from Flagstaff, the scenary was amazing on the way with lots to see and we kept panicking that we may fall of the cliffs. When we arrived we realised that it was very cold even though it was sunny so we decided to get on with the walk along the rim trail (the shortest and easiest one). The view was even better than we imagined with so much space between the rims and being over 300 ft deep made us keep our distance, however many other tourists felt they were super human and went right to the edge. Its still amazing to think that this was formed by the colorado river which we did manage to glimpse through the rocks. Lorna felt that we should keep walking after the initial 3 miles as she wanted to see a mountain lion however we made do with our first sighting of a tarantula.

Next morning we got our trusty car out and started our drive to vegas along the famous route 66. The road was always something we wanted to do and it is not quite what we imagined it is straight and very long but not as flat as we thought and more built up along the route. However there were towns with less in them thats I have ever seen i.e a petrol station and thats about it. We had to have lunch in a classic diner along the route and the one we found had been open since the 50's and it was great to see the old fashioned signs and memorabilia.

We got to Vegas and our hotel was the NEW YORK NEW YORK which is fashioned like the skyline of newyork with Chrsyler Building, Empire State building with a mini statue of liberty too. Also on top of this to Lorna's delight there was a roller coaster going through the hotel. On the inside the hotel was massive with slots as far as the eye can see.

We went out and straight away came face to face with the MGM grand which is also huge with a Lion park inside which we watched for a while terrorising their keepers. Then we headed down the strip to the Bellagio which was very elegant with its fountain outside that go off to music and this was great to watch as it is timed perfectly. The night time we did in typical Vegas style with dinner then beer/wine then a bit more beer/wine then some slots. Last stop of the first night was Vanetian which was like Venice with a gondola canal going through it which made you feel like you were in sunny Italy not a hotel - Great Fun!

Next day was much more simple as we spent it by the pool lapping up the 80 degree sun. Again at night we had to go out and found Coyote ugly at happy hour (who's ideas was that ?) and watched as Stag parties made idiots of themselves and watched the coyote ladies take the micky out of the tourists whilst getting them drunk on shots. Then to the tables to lose a bit of money and get the buzz from Vegas Baby!

Hope you are all well and keep in touch

Alex and Lorna