(From
my journal) It's been a busy day. First thing I did when
I got to Las Vegas was to find a hostel. Signed in for 2 days,
at least I know where I'll be sleeping the next couple of nights
Then I
went to the Hilton to try the "Star Trek: The Experience"
ride. It was definately worth going to.
When
exiting the ride, people had to stand in line and told that if they
signed up for a Star Trek credit card, they'd receive a gift.
I signed up. Got a 6-pack of blue-colored "Romulan
Ale".. Had it shipped UPS to Luciano. Thought he'd get a
kick out of it.
Went to
Quark's Bar and ordered a "Klingon Blood Wine". Also had my
picture taken with a Klingon woman and a Ferangi man.
Called
Don in Sea Tac, WA and told him about the Star Trek ride &
Quark's bar. He said he'd be coming within the week. So
I'm going to wait here in Las Vegas for him. I should find
plenty to do, even though I do not gamble and have no interest in
learning.
My
room. It was on the 2nd. floor and had a balcony with a large
comfortable chair right outside the door. Across the street
was one of those "Quickie Wedding Chapels". We sat on the
balcony & watched numerous theme weddings.
I
was still in the hostel on Mother's Day. My son, Luciano and
his girlfriend, Julie sent me these flowers.
That
was so thoughtful!!!
After
Quark's Bar I went back to the hostel. Dropped the car off,
and walked to the Stratosphere for the buffet. Rode the
elevator to the top.
May
13:
Up
& out by 7:30 AM. Got oil change at Pep Boys.
Breakfast at McDonalds. Drove to Hoover Dam....
Below:
When
I got back from Hoover Dam, walked around Las Vegas taking
pictures. Slipped in a puddle and did a split in the middle of
the road. Didn't hurt much, but was kind of embarrasing
walking back with wet shorts and muddy legs. Those cheap
sandals are history!
Met my
room mate, Melinda. We get along well. Sit outside
watching people walk by under the sidewalk below the balcony.
Met
another hosteller. His name is Bob. He's lived in Las
Vegas before so he showed me around. He knows where all the
free shows, cheap buttets , and breakfast specials are. We had
a good time.
May
19
Got up at
5:30 AM yesterday and drove to Death Valley and Scotty's
Castle. What a trip. I wanted to stop around every
corner (yes there are corners in Death Valley) and take
pictures! Drove about 400 miles in all. Got back to the
hostel around 4pm.
Right:
Death Valley
See
it's not all flat.
Above:
"Badwater" in Death Valley is the lowest point in the northern
hemisphere at minus 282 feet below sea level.
Drove
back to Las Vegas, cooled off.
Went
to the Lexus and saw "Blue Man Group". Had my picture taken
with them after the show.
