Las Vegas at night - night photography

 It was freezing cold.  My hands were almost frozen despite the mittens I was wearing. We’ll, I came from a tropical country and not to used to freezing’ cold weather.  I first experienced my winter in Riyadh, but it’s dry winter.  Here in Las Vegas was different.  Freezing temperature, strong winds and it’s drizzling but that did not stop me from positioning myself on the skywalks.  It’s not perfect though, considering  this is my first attempt for long exposure and night photography.  I tried the hand shake look but it’s awful as my hands were shaking tremendously of the cold.

  With my tripod, I positioned myself on the other side of the skywalks.  Second attempt now. Hmmm, I guess this looks better.  I was happy with it, screaming  and jumping and I did not care what those passers-by thought about me.  I don’t think they mind because they too were busy taking pictures of themselves.

 And this was my last try. We have to pack up and run to the nearest hotel because it’s raining time.  Whew! What a picture. Hmmm at least I tried.  When I have the time, I will do this again.

This is Aria Resort and Casino Hotel, one of the newest addition in The strip.

                                              The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Hotel.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel Las Vegas.  Feels like in Paris now.  Unfortunately, we were not able to go up the tower as it was closed for maintenance.

Excalibur hotel casino, just by the name of it, you are like living in a castle.

The famous Caesars Palace and on the far left is the Bellagio Hotel.

Glitzy lights, gambling halls, night life, quick marriages, one can never get enough of  Las Vegas.  Wonder why it’s called the Sin City?

                                                                   What do you think?

Let's go to Las Vegas - anything goes in the Strip

Let me share my first trip to Uncle Sam’s country, the USA.  One of the popular destinations for tourists with its dramatic cityscape and skyscraper hotels and casinos is the famous – The Strip in Las Vegas.

     Before going to any destination, we always research for value for money hotels for us budget travellers. Best way is to book in advance your plane tickets and hotel reservation as this will save you money.  There are lots of online travel companies that offer discounted hotel rates and package rates (hotel plus airfare) like Expedia, Orbitz, Traveloctiy, etc.  Mine, I booked my plane tickets and hotel at Expedia.  My Aunt and her husband sponsored also 10 days of the 14 days of my stay, so I had so much savings.

     A City as awesome as Las Vegas, I never thought to see beggars parading on the skywalk.  I was shocked to see these people even asking for a penny just to buy beer. They even wrote on the carton these line “I’m just being honest, I need a beer”  They are called  homeless but even if they are homeless, they receive assistance (money) from the government.

 They say that prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas, I don’t think so.  This mobile ad is a living proof that prostitution in Las Vegas is rampant and openly advertised.  There were  lots of pimps on the street handing out leaflets, brochures of the flesh they were selling.  Even if the guy is with his girl, they don’t care, they will still give  the guy the calling card.   Take note, the pimps wore shirts with advertisements like, hot babes in your hotel in 20 minutes.

   


     Horse riding metro police complete with guns and helmets were patrolling the city.  This is the first time I saw policemen not in their patrol cars but on horses.  Unique  isn’t it?

    

Street musicians were all over the Strip but this one caught my attention.  He positioned himself on the skywalk, complete with sound system, his instrument and in a decent attire.  If one knows how to use his talent to make a living, he will never go hungry.

  Here are two impersonators of the late Michael Jackson.  These two are on shifts, the one on white clothes was about to wrap up his day and the one on silver attire iwas just about to begin his day.  There were lots of impersonators lining up the street of The Strip like the Pirates of the Caribbean (which I have a souvenir), cartoon characters, Ninjas, etc.  With a dollar or two, one can take souvenir pictures with these impersonators.

  I have seen brides walking past the casinos in their wedding gowns  from or going to the wedding chapel as Las Vegas is home for quickie marriages.  As we stroll along The Strip, I happened to chance upon a newly wed couple who were having a photo shoot.  I grabbed my camera and took a shot of the bride.   

Mobile ads are a common sight in Las Vegas.

    I went to the Bingo hall of one of the casino hotels and was terrified to see an oldie with an oxygen tank attached to her  wheelchair. I thought there was an emergency going on but I was more shocked to see  several of them in walkers too when they positioned themselves at the playing station to play Bingo.  When I went to the gambling area of the casino, more of these pensioners were  there, playing slot machines and having the time of their lives.

     I played at  the casino but not to the extent of squandering my pocket-money as I have limited budget.  I won the jackpot twice on the 25 cents slot machines for $200.  On our last day, I had a great time playing Spin-the-wheel with my special someone.

                             What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas