It was the first week of July. Fourth of July was the American Independence Day. The heat was unbearable. Around 108 degrees. Dry heat though, and hence no perspiration. This is even more dangerous. And if you have to visit the various hotels, which is one of the preoccupations of visitors like us, you have to walk. No way you can use a car. Pain to drive a short distance, find parking, take the car out again. Walking is simpler and easier. We would have walked lots of miles. Generally, the fun and activities began in the evenings. Apart from cities like New York and LA, this is one place that had huge crowds. Holiday mood. Happy mood. Spending spree. Laughter. If lots of money lost, then sadness too.

One thing has to be appreciated about Americans. They plan their trips meticulously. They don’t just hurry up. No casual sightseeing. With a clear mind, they go around places they have planned to see and make a thorough job of it. It is just not the number of places visited that is important, but how much detail they see. In some places, they even camp. I have seen some such camping tents in the strangest of places, deserted areas. It may be to get a sight of some animals or photograph an event or any such thing.

For us, visiting as many places as possible is the sole aim. We too visited lots of hotels. A caveat. I am writing from memory. Errors and omissions ‘accepted.’

One was called the Egyptian, I think. There was a free show of moving statues of Greek Gods of rain, thunder, etc. Another one was called The Caesarean. In one of the hotels, an attendant was conducting a sort of quiz. He would read out a number in Roman numerals, and we had to guess the number in English. I got a couple right and was given some gift. Free shows were fine. No way one could go to all the paid shows. So expensive.

When I name the hotels, it is possible they don’t exist now. They might have been imploded, and new ones built. What I am writing is from my first visit to LV in 2001.

Continued in 251. Lost Way Guys - Part 4