If it looks like this picture was taken early in the morning, that's because it was. About eight o'clock in the morning. It was the coolest time of the day. Probably in the mid-80's.
The Mirage was one of the first new resorts on the strip, leading to the boom of the 90's. It's also home to the world's greatest homosexual magician/animal act, Siegfried and Roy! There is a large bust of both of them and a tiger off to the right of this picture. It's kind of cheesy, but after all, this is Vegas, baby!
Not pictured here are two ships in a large pool in front of this hotel. They do a pirate show periodically each night. Aaarrrrrr!
I was just so impressed with the Venetian, I took two photos.
It is by far the best place on the strip. From its magnificent exterior to its equally elegant interior, the Venetian gets a big thumb's up from this reporter.
The New Frontier is second oldest casino property on the strip and the oldest with a current hotel and casino. The place where the first casino, El Rancho, was has remained undeveloped for over twenty years. It is a large vacant lot a little further up the strip. Across the street from the New Frontier in this photo is the Desert Inn, which is now closed and will be demolished to make way for a newer resort. I just noticed now for the first time that there is smoke damage on the upper floor. I guess they had a fire. They were using this property to film some of "Rush Hour 2" (that's what all that red facade is), so maybe that has something to do with it.
It's just a classic sign. And Wayne Newton is Las Vegas. I don't know who Ethel is.
Another classic sign. The hotel is showing its age, though. That's verbotten in Las Vegas, so it will probably be blown up someday soon.
"What kind of geek goes to Las Vegas and takes a picture of the U.S.S. Enterprise?" Well, at least it's indoors. Do you know how hot it is out there? Actually the Star Trek Experience is in the Las Vegas Hilton. The hotel architecture is unremarkable, so I didn't shoot the exterior. I was planning to go in the attraction, but it cost more money than I wanted to pay for one of those stupid hydraulic rides that gives me a headache and a Star Trek museum. I just visited the shops, which included some poor guy walking around dressed as a Ferengi.
This shot was taken from the parking garage at the Hilton. Here we see the new Sahara and the Stratosphere. One cool thing about these casinos is the sports book areas, where they have all the games on large screens. While I don't gamble, I did sit in the Stratosphere sports book area and watch the end of the Phillies - Mets game. (Phils won. Yea!)
Also from the same parking garage. This is downtown. That's where we will be heading next. It's also the best (and probably only) photo with the beautiful mountains in the background. Las Vegas is in a valley surrounded by these mountains. It is quite a nice view.

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