America's playground

Fountain display at the Belagio

I buttoned up my black shirt. Tied the scarf round my neck. Put on my aviators. I was ready for my last night in Vegas, and was going to make it a good one. I rode the elevator down to the 9th floor and walked to room 986. Marc and Rachel, my friends from University, posed with me on the balcony for a photo. The noise of the outdoor nightclub filled the room. The lights of Caesars could be seen in the background. Outside the streets were bustling. Music came from every casino. Hundreds of hustlers handed out cards with pictures of naked women and their phone numbers. Men in suits offered vouchers for free entry to nightclubs, and countless holiday makers drank their cocktails as they walked along the strip. I stood by Marc and Rachel in front of the Belagio, admiring the pool of water lapping at the casino edge. The fountain display began. The sound of Classical music instantly altered the mood as water streams rose gracefully into the air, swaying to and fro to the music. It was beautiful. A canon blasted at the crescendo. I was overwhelmed with happiness and joy. Everyone clapped at the end. It was probably the best attraction in Vegas, but I still wanted more.



View from the Voodoo Lounge

 Me, Marc and Rachel reached New York New York. A girl was lap dancing on the table as men and women continued to gamble. We followed signs for the roller coaster. The station was inside the casino, but took you outside so that the car glided past the streets below. I could see people on the strip going to their various clubs and shows, whilst I was whipped around at high speed. We hit the MGM Grand for dinner at the Rain forest Cafe, before heading back to the Karaoke bar at our hotel. This is where I'd expect any other night to end, but not in Vegas. Not on my last night. We all took a cab to the Rio. I followed Rachel's lead as she guided us to the Voodoo Lounge nightclub. We walked through the entrance, showed our ID's and followed the walkway to an elevator. There were only two buttons, 50 or 51. We pressed 51, labelled, "Club." The elevator shot up. The glass panel allowed us to see the lights of Vegas bellow. We entered the club and walked to the outside dance floor. I was amazed at the sight. People dancing with the Vegas strip bellow them. We ordered a massive cocktail each and danced the night away. When the club ended, we headed back to the hotel and forced ourselves to stay awake till morning. I'd achieved so much in three days. Casino's, restaurants, free shows, alcohol, gambling and girls. I could see why this was America's playground. I wished I didn't have to go home.

This is a taste of what Vegas has to offer. It's really one big nightclub. You can drink on the streets. Music comes from all directions. Almost everywhere you look, there's a half naked girl lap dancing. The free shows are the best part. The Sirens of TI was amazing. Two pirate ships fire canons at each other. Fire erupts from the building. The Siren's sink the pirates ship, then dance erotically, enticing you into the casino. The downside, it's in your face culture. The hustlers are everywhere, thrusting cards for women into your hands. People offer you so much free stuff, then ask for a tip. The casino's never close, and people gamble at all hours. I was actually glad to get back to my hut in the middle of the desert. On that first night back, I stopped and listened to the silence. Not a sound could be heard. Such a change to Vegas! The best part was seeing my friends again. It was a one in a life time experience.

Not much had changed at the sanctuary. I loved my welcome back from Nola Pack! I was worried that I would regress in all the work I'd put into socialising them, but I needn't of worried. Goldie came up to my hand, licked it and ran off. She did it twice the following day. That's a real big step! We've also had a new wolf arrive!! He's called Junior and reminds me lots of Gia. He's very sweet, but a little nervous as he's been separated from his mother. All us volunteers have to make sure we visit him lots to help him settle in. I'm glad I took time away. I only have 22 more days here, and this has given me perspective to see the joys of being in the wild. Flashing lights and buzzing days and nights are great, but the best fun can be had in the heart of nature, with the animals and the simple pleasures of life.