We've got some catching up to do ! Get yourself a cup of coffee, make sure you are sitting comfortably and get ready for a marathon session.........

I simply don't know where to start in my attempts to explain to you the sights, experiences and general extravagance of Las Vegas - this truely is a Party City.It seems that everything in Vegas is designed with entertainment in mind, the size of the Hotels, Casinos, Shopping Malls and Restuarants is unbelievable.

We are booked into Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort - a 27th floor room with views of the Bellagio Fountains.To even reach the Hotel Reception, we enter a huge Shopping Mall - Miracle Mile Shopping Mall.This Mall has all of the shops, eateries and facilities which you would generally associate with a City Centre Shopping Compex back home, however it is entirely contained indoors and is kept immaculately clean.The street-cleaners actually get around the Mall on Segways !Within the Shopping Mall are specific areas designed for eating & entertainment (including numerous restuarants, Theatres, Water Fountains & displasy etc)- the ceilings are painted to emulate a sky scene & the lighting is really convincing.This is, as you may have expected, a 24-hour City & you have no idea as to what time of the day (or night it currently is).

The vastness of the City and the services available at each of the Hotels comes as a shock to both Rachael & myself - we only have 3 nights to attempt to discover & explore this amazing place.On arrival in our room (which has views of the Eiffel Tower as well as the Bellagio Fountains !) we decide that our initial plan of action will involve grabbing a bite to eat, a brief investigation around the Casino, a walk along The Strip to check out & decide upon a Show for tomorrow evening.We selected the easy option of eating in one of the 5 Restuarants on the Casino Floor, and only managed to cover a fraction of The Strip - possibly covering only 3 "blocks" before we returned to the Casino & our room.We were feeling the effects from our early start, 6 hour drive and also the effects of the further change in time zones (we were no longer on 'Mountain Time').

We awoke bright & early and raring to go the following morning - after a quick scrub-up we headed out to explore some of the other Hotels, Casinos & Resorts on The Strip.First stop was MGM Grand - the Casino Floor was immense.It has several Automobiles sat atop banks of slot machines (we are talking BWM X6s) throughout the Casino Floor - these are the prizes for the jackpot on these games !Also situated within the Casino Floor is a lion enclosure (I am NOT kidding you) - these are entirely free attractions which are designed to attract visitors to the Hotel & Casino.The complex takes up a couple of blocks and I am guessing would include a Shopping Compex which would make the Miracle Mile Shopping Mall look like a local corner shop !The place is agian immaculate, and the lighting is constant throughout day & night to give the illusion of an early evening feel & ambiance regardless of the fact that it is only 10am.We finally find the exit from the Casino (you could get seriously disorientated & lost in these places) only to find when we return to The Strip that we have turned through 270 degrees and now looking back across & up our original route.We are both a little confused how this could have happened, we were convinced that we entered & (eventually) exited the Casino through the same door !After regaining our bearings, we head on over to New York New York - for a ride on the Roller Coaster which runs alongside the exterior of the Resort and high above The Strip.

It comes as no surprise that to reach the entrance of the Rolller Coaster, it is necessary to negotiate the Casion Floor, however Rachael manages to drag me away from the many distractions & we arrive at the ride entrance (after passing through a fun fare, past an Irish Pub, Dance Club & Coyote Ugly Bar).There is no queue for the ride and approximately 45 seconds after taking our seats we are retrieving our possessions from the locker & heading back to The Strip.The ride was awesome - it was not the smoothest roller-coaster I have ever been on, however the drops & loops & twists & turns were pretty extreme.The initial climb to the first descent was also pretty nerve-recking as you see the Statue of Liberty, MGM Lion & Hooters Casino & Resort disappear beneath you.

You're already ahead of me, you know my next pit-stop of the day - it was approaching lunch-time & I convinced Rachael to take me to Hooters Resort & Casino for a bite to eat.What canI say, Rachael really enjoyed her wings -I was more impressed with the buns !!Hooters & Tropicana were on the outer limits of The Strip and it was clear that these venues enjoyed less attention & visitors that those located more centrally on The Strip - it turns out that we have once again lucked-out with our accomodation - we are situated right in the centre of the hub of the activity.

Our afternoon plans involved heading back along The Strip to visit some more Casions (Bellagio, Ceasars Palace, Treasure Island & the Venetian) before checking out the Shows & Ticket prices from a discount ticket store in the Fashion Show Mall.It seems clear that there is some kind of competition amongst the Casinos on The Strip with each one attempting to be more extravagant & outrageous than their neighbour - seriously some of the artefacts & contents belong in Museums and not Casinos (a 5-foot long, 1,200 year old intricately carved ivory mammoth tusk being one example !) .After much deliberation on the shows on offer we decide upon "Peep Show" - no it's not because of the picture on the flyer !!The half price ticket office proves to cost considerably more than ½ of the ticket price once tax, booking fees etc have been added to the total cost.It turns out that we could've purchased the ticket for exactly the same price from the comfort of our Hotel Room had we asked the Conscierge to assist us, but where's the fun in that ?

Peep Show is one of the headline shows in the Planet Hollywood Resort, so we make our way back "home" in advance of the 7pm show.Whilst Rachael was getting herself ready, I decided to 'kill some time' in The Casino prior to our Theatre Show. On arrival at the bar, I was greeted by the bar-keep who kindly took my order before requesting photo-ID.I returned to the room (on the 27th Floor) to pick up my driving licence only to further delay Rachael - she was laughing so hard that her make-up had run down her face !!On my return to the bar, playing on one of the video blackjack screens which is set into the counter I was advised that my beers (Bud Light Lime, of course) were complimentary ! Now this is not limited to a couple of beers (I did check this out, I knew you'd be interested !) and I was only playing with a stake of $1.I was later to discover (because I knew you would be curious) that the complimentary beverages applied throughout the entire Casino, with waitresses periodically strolling by to take orders (yes - the Jack Daniels is complimentary on the 'Slots' too !).

"Fortunately" Rachael came to take me away from all of this & we headed up to the Mezzanine Level overlooking the Casino to one of the 3 Theatres situated within the Hotel.The Show was great, it was a kinda contemporary version of the traditional Vegas Show, with dancing, singing a little bit of comedy and scantily clad ladies (not enough audience participation for my liking !).After the Show, we decided to head on down The Strip to witness Vegas at night - there is a spectacular neon outlook in every direction.Our final destination of the evening was to be Treasure Island to witness the Sirens of Treasure Island Show.This is another free show which takes place on the forecourt of the Hotel & Casino, no more than 40 feet from the highway.The Casino forecourt is a Pirate Themed area, incorporating a bay area of sufficient size to accommodate a full scale Pirate Ship.The lights dim, the music starts & the 'Sirens' (scantily clad, of course) appear on deck.Their show consists of songs & dance, including some acrobatics in the rigging.About 5 minutes into the Show another (full scale) Pirate Ship appears in the bay - crewed by Pirates attempting to take control of the Sirens' Ship.A full-on battle ensures, including sword fights, walking the plank, high dives and cannon fire until the Sirens have successfully defeated the Pirates & protected their Ship.As if that was not enough, a firework display ensues to celebrate the Sirens' successful battle.

This is just (another) one of the free shows which are available for public viewing on The Strip.As if the free shows, fountains, lightshows, fireworks and disorientated pedestrians do not prove sufficient distraction to drivers on The Strip there has been a recent addition to the "attractions" on The Strip.This has actually generated some compaints from the locals in what must be the most relaxed, easy-going and tolerant City on the Planet.The attraction has been created to generate publicity for one of the "Dancing Venues" in Vegas & they have installed a glass trailer body on a box-van, erected a dancing pole & employed dancing girls to give performances whilst the vehicle is driven up & down The Strip !Only in Vegas - that seems to be a phrase which I unable to control myself from repeating on a regular basis when I am astonished by the surroundings, attractions & activities.We make it back to the Planet Hollywood Casino and reluctantly (only after Rachael has actually fallen asleep at her gaming machine !) we retire from the Casino & turn in for the night.

We have an early start the following morning (6:40am) for a trip to the Skywalk on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon - somewhat sleepy-eyed & jaded form our first day (& night) in Vegas we leave our room to exit the Hotel.In order to reach the Hotel Lobby we pass through the Casino Floor to be greeted by (scantily clad) waitresses & the sight of gamblers still sat at their machines & tables this is 6:40 in the morning..............only in Vegas.

We are collected by mini-coach & driven to Henderson Executive Airport on the outskirts of Vegas for our flight to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon.This is an extremely high class Private Airport, we are greeted with the offer of free champagne, with an alternative of coffee subject to a $1 surcharge..........only in Vegas.We are called to check-in & also weigh-in - on my way to the check-in desk, I manage a full-length stumble, taking out several beakers of champagne & covering a couple of our fellow passengers............oops !

After weigh-in we are escorted to our plane - there are only 8 passengers on board and we are under the control of Eric & Nate our flight crew.The flight is a fairly short but turbulent one (it is the first windy day of the year in Vegas, however they have decided to continue with the trip, as the Pilots needs the experience in flying in difficult conditions - very reassuring !) As we travel across the desert we take in some more spectacular views of the Canyon from a very different perspective.The area is still under some considerable construction & improvements, presently the runway sits paralell to the Canyon and an approximate distance of 50 feet from the rim - worrying enough on a calm & clear day, let alone in today's conditions !!

We both manage the Skywalk with flying colors (I'm even spelling with an accent now !) - it is an impressive structure offering views directly down into the Canyon, however this was slightly less daunting and precarious than some of the sights, views & positions we had found ourselves in during our Canyon Adventures.You'll be able to tell from the pictures that we weren't taking this entirely seriously - now's a good time to remind you of my photo address book site :-

www.picasaweb.google.co.uk/tonytobin33

you may notice that this site is often a couple of days ahead of the blog updates - I need to keep my camera memory card "manageable".

We then board the bus to our next view point 'Guano Point' - I have been particularly looking forward to this one, as it offers our buffet meal, served by the natives of the Hualapai Tribe.Guano Point offers an excellent viewing area, with a full 360 degree view around the Canyon from an elevated 'penninsular'.We are both surprised by the amount of activity at this particular area and are advised that this is due to the fact that some scenes of an upcoming Hollywood Movie - Due Date, starring Robert Downey Junior - are currently being shot.We take up an excellent vantage point & watch the film crew prepare & shoot a couple of scenes.We are both a little "star-struck" and are attempting to spot the stars (including Zach someboby from "The Hangover" - which is hilarious, if you haven't watched it yet I recommend it ).A fellow "star-gazer" helpfully points out the Star of the Movie, Robert Downey Junior.The next 15 minutes are spent jostling with one another for the best camera angle & checking out our zoom capabilities of our cameras to get the best shot of Robert.Once the scene has been shot, we are amazed to see him casually stolling over towards us & taking a seat on the rocks no more than 2 feet away from us - Rachael is clearly disappointed as he doesn't look as buff as the Hollywood magazines & the airbrushed photos will have us believe.................there is, however a good explanation for this - we have been watching & "papping" the stunt-double for the last 15 minutes !!

We quickly delete all of these wasted photos & swear each other to secrecy over our embarrassing stupidity (so don't tell anyone, right !?) and proceed to the pinnacle of Guano Point - taking shots of the 'Stunt-Dog' on the way.Rachael manages to avoid all of the tripping hazards presented by wires, cables, cameras and tri-pods, however doesn't take account of the rocks underfoot & stumbles for a distance of approximately 15 feet amidst the entire film crew.

Our return from Guano Point to the "mainland" is interrupted by filming which is underway - this time featuring Robert Downey Junior & Zack Somebody !We return to the coach & finally back to the air-strip to find that the remainder of our travelling party are waiting for us in order to return to Vegas.

We arrive back in Vegas at lunchtime - our plans are to investigate the "other end" of The Strip, including The Stratosphere - which stands at an impressive 1,500 feet above The Strip.We decide on giving our legs a break, taking the Monorail.This does not exactly go according to plan...we must've covered a total distance in excess of 1 ½ miles (admittedly half of our journey on an unbelievably long "travellator") heading through Ballys Casino, the Shopping Mall and Restuarant Complex to the rear of it, a Lesuire Club, Tennis Courts, Gym and Swimming Pool.We eventually arrive at the Monorail Station - it woud've been far quicker to walk on The Strip - & we catch the train to the end of the line "near" The Stratosphere.We actually dis-embark at the Convention Centre & have to walk a further mile or so to exit the Monorail System & finally reach The Stratosphere.There were signs of some major renovation & construction projects being undertaken at this end of The Strip - it did seem that we were in the less salubrious vicinity, however once the neighbouring construction is completed it is possible that The Stratosphere & Circus Circus will return to their "former glory".

Notwithstanding the surroundings of The Stratosphere, it is a really imposing structure & the observation deck - some 109 storeys high - offers astounding, not to mention scarey views down below.The glass walls protrude at a 45 degree angle giving the impression of a direct view of the ground below.An external observation deck, along with entrance to the rides is one floor further up.One of the rides (co-incidentally the one which Rachael says she could do "no problem" ) is closed today due to the high winds, worryingly the attendant comments that he is surprised that any rides are open in the current conditions !Undeterred by this I proceed to ride "Insanity" and "X-Scream" - I am the sole rider onInsanity - this is a ride which takes you out over a 1,200 foot drop & spins you (for an uncomfortably long time if you are the only rider !).Committed to our web-site & blogs as we are, Rachael kindly agreed to forego her ride (despite the fact that she had bravely bought her ticket whilst on the ground level !) to take photos & video.I then completed the X-Scream ride - this ride involves a single track being elevated to an angle of approximately 60 degrees to ensure that the only view on offer is that directly ahead of & below you (The Strip is 1,300 feet below) before plunging you at high speed to the end of the track !This seems to continue until the ride closes at 1:30am or the riders break down & plead with the operator to allow you back in.

Once I have recovered the use of my legs, we decide that the 3 mile walk to along The Strip is quicker that the 2-mile walk to the Monorail Station (followed by a 1 ½ mile walk back to The Strip from our destination station), we take in a couple of detours via Circus Circus (taking in an acrobatic display above the Casino Floor), a "1/2 Price" Ticket Office, The Venetian (we got lost in there too) & Paris.The Venetian boasts a canal running from the exterior of the forecourt (St Marks Square, Rialto Bridge & The Piazza) throughout the Casino, the Shopping Mall & Foodcourt - of course, Gondolier Rides are available too.............only in Vegas !

We headed to the Spice Market Buffet for our evening meal - this has been acknowledged as the "Best Buffet in Vegas" and we were not disappointed by the quality or variety of food on offer.It was true to the American "all you can eat" style with food varying from Curries to Pizzas to Steaks, to Pasta, to Seafood, to Chinese to Mexican & even included Salad (like that's gonna be anybody's choice !).Whilst waiting to be seated Rachael noticed Amir Khan (he's a famous boxer - keep up !) & I proceeded to embarrass Rachael by referring to him as Prince Nazeem (another boxer) and asking him for a photograph...............are you keeping count, that's 2 celebrities in one day - only in Vegas (or maybe Hollywood too) !

The evening's show which we have decided on is "America's Got Talent" - hosted by Jerry (Jerry, Jerry !) Springer & featuring some of the favourite acts from the series (Texas Tenors, Grandma Lee, Hiero Torres, Recycled Percussion and Kevin Skinner). The show was fantastic - Jerry (Jerry, Jerry) was excellent & the acts offered a real variety from singers, to dance acts to comedians (of sort) and the most unbelievable dance / contortion act - it would bring tears to your eyes - it did to mine (particularly when I attemptedsome of his moves back in the Hotel Room )!

Following the show we returned to our usual evening ritual of Rachael falling asleep at her slot machine before calling it a night & heading up to our room.

We also took in a 3rd Show during our Vegas Trip - Sin City Comedy Show.This was absolutely fantastic the comedians were absolutely hilarious both Rachael & myself were in hysterics during the Show, only being able to compose ourselves & regain our breath during the intervals (whilst a burlesque dancer entertained us).

My time in Vegas has now become something of a blur - you will have gathered that it was a fun-packed , enjoyable & eventful leg of our travels, however the late nigths early mornings & attempts not to miss anything the City has to offer have taken their toll ensuring that we sleep well, despite the flashing neon lights & the fountains whichare directly outside our windows.

Somewhat reluctantly we return to the Airport for our flight to San Francisco, whilst I am totally enthusiastic & excited about our next destination, I do wonder how it will possibly compete with the spectacles, sights, experiences which we have encountered on our travels to date.You know what you have to do to find out..............keep reading.

I am currently "catching up" on my blog entries from 25,000 feet - on our flight from San Francisco to Hawaii.We are having such a busy & enjoyable time that we are absolutely exhausted by the time we return to our Hotels - leaving us no energy to fill you in on the events of our days.We expect Hawaii to be a little more "relaxed" (despite a further 2-hour time zone differential to overcome) offering us the opportunity to update you on our travels.

Take care of yourselves.....................and each other.

Tony & Rachael