An Unexpected Adventure: Sedona to Sin City

Well, today started with a bit of a shocker! The plan was simple: rise early, sneak down to breakfast, and beat the silver tops (you know, the retirees who descend like a well-organised army). Oh, how wrong we were. It was as though they were a plague of locusts, sweeping through the buffet and leaving not a crumb in their wake. Luckily, the chef anticipated their ravenous ways and ensured there was enough for us mere mortals. Full bellies and slightly bruised egos, we prepared to hit the road.

Another Glorious Sedona Morning

As we checked out, Sedona greeted us with another perfect morning—sunny, warm, and full of promise. There’s something about Sedona, isn’t there? The kind of place that makes you feel like life is a bit better when the sun is shining and the red rocks are glowing. But as much as we wanted to linger, Las Vegas was calling our names.

Flagstaff and the Open Road

Our route to Las Vegas took us via Flagstaff, a not so charming little place where Michele and I had already popped by the day before. Flagstaff is one of those towns that feels a bit like a movie set, all perfectly placed mountains and wide-open spaces. I love how there weren’t too many cars or trucks on the road—just us, cruising along in peaceful harmony with the world. Not much of that once you hit Vegas, let me tell you.

The drive itself was about 300 miles, and Google, in all its wizardry, estimated it would take us around 4.5 hours. Of course, Google doesn’t account for bladder capacity, so we did have to make a quick pit stop along the way. Still, it was pretty much spot on with the timing. Handy little thing, that app.

Hoover Dam? Not This Time

Now, I had grand plans to stop off at the Hoover Dam. It seemed like the kind of thing one should do when passing through this part of the world. You know, get a picture or two, marvel at the engineering, pretend to be interested in the history. But alas, the dam was undergoing some refurbishment, and access was restricted. So, that little dream was dashed. Maybe next time I’ll organise a visit. Or maybe, after today, there won’t be a next time. More on that later.

The Arrival in Las Vegas

After hours on the open road, we arrived at the Alamo car rental to drop off our trusty vehicle. We were a little early, but that’s just the way we roll. Of course, before handing the keys back, we made sure to fill the tank—because there’s nothing worse than being hit with a “you didn’t top it up” fee, right?

Now, from Alamo, it was a quick taxi ride to The Venetian, where we’d be staying. And let me tell you, this place is huge. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a literal monument to excess. As we pulled up, I couldn’t help but feel a little daunted. Inside, it was a circus of people, noises, lights, and yes—slot machines. A 15-minute queue to check in, and then, finally, we were given the keys to our room on the 22nd floor.

Welcome to Excess: Our Venetian Suite

Stepping into our room was like walking into a palace. It was massive, with space enough to house a small family (or a large one, if we’re honest). First, there was the bathroom—on your left as you entered. Then came the bedroom, complete with a bed big enough for a herd of wildebeests. And beyond that, a living space with sofas to seat three, two armchairs, and a dining table just in case we fancied eating somewhere that wasn’t a restaurant. Not exactly what I’m used to, but impressive nonetheless.

We dumped our bags and went out for a walk, though I quickly realised something rather uncomfortable: this was the America I had spent 10 years avoiding. The neon lights, the relentless noise, the crowds—all of it seemed too much. This was precisely why I’d put off visiting for so long.

In short, I was having one of those “it’s not you, it’s me” moments with Las Vegas. It’s all just a bit overwhelming, and I have to admit, it might not be my cup of tea. I’m a simple creature at heart, and this larger-than-life extravaganza was making me long for the calm of Sedona or Tucson.

Reflecting on Vegas and Beyond

Walking through the strip, with its flashing signs and endless options to lose your money, it dawned on me: I might never actually see the Hoover Dam after all. And you know what? I’m oddly OK with that. Maybe it’s fate. Perhaps I’m destined to explore the quieter corners of the world rather than the loud, brash ones.

But hey, on a brighter note, we’ve ticked off another state. Nevada, you’ve been added to the list. So, while Vegas might not be my spiritual home, I can at least say I’ve been here, done that, and moved on.

Wrapping It Up

So there we are, another state, another city, another chapter in the travelogue. Las Vegas might not have won my heart, but it did leave a lasting impression (and possibly some mild hearing loss). I’m not sure if I’ll ever come back to Sin City, but that’s the beauty of travelling, isn’t it? You don’t have to love every place you visit; sometimes, the best part is knowing where you don’t belong.

But for now, we’ll see what tomorrow brings. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find something in Vegas that changes my mind. Or maybe I’ll just find a quiet corner to have a cup of tea and pretend the slot machines aren’t there.

Until the next adventure.