Trek America - Western BLT - Las Vegas

Arriving in Las Vegas came as a welcome relief following our longest van appreciation day through what seemed like endless desert. Naturally, we arrived in Vegas to the tune of Kanye West, excited to see what the legendary location would hold for us.

We were all amazed at how lovely our room was at Bally's considering we were meant to be on a budget lodging tour. We had a view of New York, New York from our window and were right opposite Caesar's and the Bellagio. Couldn't have asked for better! 

Fran surprised us with a party bus that evening, pairing up with another Trek group. There's nothing more surreal that dancing on a bullet proof party bus with a view of the Las Vegas strip out the window. This is one of those points of the Trek where you can't quite believe all the things you've done in such a short amount of time.

The party bus stopped for photo opportunities at the Vegas sign and the chance to explore Freemont Street. Upon arriving back at the hotel, the majority of people headed to the rooftop pool party which we had discounted tickets for. Although as Ewen was under 21, the four of us decided to explore the strip instead. 

I discovered alcoholic mango slushies are one of my favourite drinks of all time and as you can see, George and I won big on the slot machines.

The next day was a free day in Vegas. Lindsay, Ewen, George and I made the most of not having to set an alarm, then went out for brunch of cream cheese bagels with salmon.

We decided to spend our day exploring the hotels and heading up the Stratosphere, definitely not knowing what I'd let myself in for. We purchased our tickets and headed right to the top for X-Scream and Big Shot. It's safe to say I've never been so scared in my entire life. I'm all for rollercoasters, but this was just crazy.

I finally managed to stop shaking, descended the tower and safely made it to solid ground, a site I've never been so pleased to see. 

We had a quick detour to the famous wedding chapels. However I was unable to find a willing suitor, so left without a ring on my finger.

It was getting towards dinner time, so we made our way back down the strip to find somewhere to eat. We opted for Sugar Factory in Paris, where George and I shared a cocktail which tasted just like Twister ice creams, complete with lollies and a candy bracelet! Lindsay was also very happy with her gummy worm cocktail.

I decided to go with an American classic I was yet to try and opted for the chicken and waffles. I didn't know what to expect, but as with most American food it tasted great and I cleared my plate with ease.

As planned following dinner, we got changed, reassembled as a group and spent the rest of the night watching the Bellagio fountain show and exploring the casinos one last time before we left for the Grand Canyon in the morning.