"The Strip," Las Vegas

This past weekend, Adam and I had an opportunity to hit "the strip" in Las Vegas, Nevada. We were graciously hosted by a family friend and her roommate, who took us out to dinner and showed us around to some of the "hot spots."

While Adam was excited to get a chance to play poker at a real poker table (he even won $60), we both enjoyed watching the fountains at the Bellagio, traveling through "Paris," and treating ourselves to the beautiful indoor walkway of the Venetian Casino. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Vegas without getting harassed by dozens upon dozens of advertisers for night clubs and "X" rated fun. I couldn't believe the number of cards that littered the ground or the amount of children that were walking around Vegas seeing the giant advertisements of half-naked women! Ah! No wonder the minds of our generation (and younger) are so saturated with sex.

The trip was certainly a taste of a different type of culture. Although "short-lived," I'm not sure we needed too much more time to understand just how different Vegas is from several other US big cities. Fortunately, there's hope, even for "Sin City." Since our trip, Adam and I have researched a church organization, called Strip Church, that's reaching out to people in Vegas in very creative ways. Check out the website if you're curious!

All in all, the trip was certainly a success and so much fun! Some of our pictures from the trip are included below. Stay tuned for an update on our trip to the Grand Canyon from August 2nd-4th!

Our party of four: Adam, myself, and our two wonderful hostesses, Sandy and Amanda. We ate a wonderful "tropical dinner" at Treasure Island. And yes, that's our DESSERT!

The infamous Bellagio! We were so captivated by the light show that we couldn't stop watching after just one song! Truly an amazing sight to see!

EVERYONE's in Vegas! I was so excited to meet Whoopi Golberg! I just loved her in Sister Act. Okay, okay. This is actually a "Wax Whoopi." Close enough though, right?

These tours were given inside the Venetian Casino. Yes, inside. It wasn't surprising considering what the inside of this "mall area" looked like. Talk about stunning and romantic!

On the way to and fro Vegas, we traveled across the Hoover Dam and stopped to take some pictures! I wasn't expecting this sort of beauty!

This picture doesn't even come close to justifying the beauty of this scenery. The water is so blue, and with it surrounded by the mountains, it's just like a postcard. Adam informed me that the water's "blue" is caused by minerals. In fact, the white that is shown on the mountains is calcium build up: the water reaches up to the heights of the white/brown line!

A view of the Hoover Dam. There were so many people parked on the side of the road just to tour and photograph the Dam!

Another view of the Dam. Adam tells me that it's the largest cement structure in the world! I believe it!