Today, my plan was to delve into the Fremont Street experience in Las Vegas. I woke up late, around 11 am. Yesterday was a long night—I spent hours typing and uploading content. I covered so much about Hawaii and LA; it was quite intense.
Breakfast at the 7 Eleven
I began my day by heading to the 7/11 just across the street, barely 40 meters away from the hostel. Stepping outside, I was hit by a wave of intense heat. It felt like opening an oven door and having the warm air blast right into your face. The dry air made me start sweating within just 15 seconds.
Right across the street, I spotted Sean, a fellow I had met in the dorm earlier. Curious, I asked him where he was headed. He replied that he was simply exploring the area. Sean was a French fellow with a somewhat limited English vocabulary. His accent was quite amusing, and occasionally, he would pepper his sentences with French phrases.
I walked a block with him, then doubled back. I invited him to join me at the 7-Eleven, and he agreed. He purchased a hotdog, while I grabbed some snacks.
A Cool Dorm
The air conditioning in the dorm was pleasant and efficient. After a refreshing shower, I settled down to do some work on my laptop. Later in the evening, I planned to visit Fremont, and Sean agreed to join me. He mentioned he was in town for EDC, which was set to begin in a few days.
I occupied the last bed in the dorm, offering a pleasant view of the distant mountains. However, the bunk bed was somewhat creaky, making noise with every movement. Consequently, during the night, I relocated to the kitchen area to use my laptop in peace.
The Fremont Street Experience
At around 8 or 9 pm, we ventured to the Fremont Street Experience, which was just a few blocks away from the hostel, taking us about ten minutes to walk there. The illuminated lights in the distance appeared stunning, but the scene became even more mesmerizing once we arrived.
Right before reaching the Street Experience, we encountered a massive mechanical grasshopper. From a distance, we watched in awe as it shot fire from its antennae, creating a spectacular sight. Although we waited for it to repeat the display, it didn’t happen again. However, a few days later, I had another encounter with it, this time standing directly in front. I captured a video of the event. The flames emitted by the grasshopper were impressive, producing loud noises and intense heat, adding to the experience’s amazement.
We proceeded and reached the Fremont Street Experience, where the focal point was the immense screen roof overhead. Stretching across the street, it was likely the largest screen in the world. Every hour, it treated visitors to a song accompanied by displayed lyrics. The featured artist varied depending on the time of year, with a new artist showcased during each period.
Lively Music
The ambiance was vibrant and lively. Music echoed from every corner, with some platforms featuring artists performing, including an Elvis impersonator. As the hour struck, the screen would come alive with a song, enveloping the area in its musical embrace. It was a captivating experience, one that I’ll delve into in more detail a few days later, once I’ve truly immersed myself in it.
We strolled leisurely through the area, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Sean seemed to effortlessly blend into the bustling crowd, occasionally prompting me to pause and scan the surroundings to locate him. We continued walking until we reached the end of the bustling avenue. While many were indulging in drinks, I opted to be frugal. After about 30 minutes, Sean mentioned he needed to return to the hostel. We bid each other farewell and went our separate ways.
Time to Gamble!
Now alone, I had the freedom to pursue what I had in mind: gambling. With casinos abound in every direction, I headed to one of the prominent ones nearby. But before diving into the thrill of the game, I stopped by a hotel (as seen in the second picture below) for a bite to eat. To my surprise, the hotel lobby housed a McDonald’s, a KFC, and a Subway! Quite impressed by the setup, I couldn’t help but notice a casino nestled in the lobby, although I only made use of their restroom facilities. With a satisfying Subway dinner, I made my way back to the bustling thoroughfare beneath the massive screen and ventured into a nearby casino.
The casino was bustling with average-looking dancers adorned in vibrant red glitter dresses. Some were gracefully swaying atop tables while others served as dealers behind the gaming tables. Spotting an open seat at a blackjack table, I decided to join in. Two girls already seated there assured me that it was an enjoyable variation of blackjack with added perks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could jump right into the game without any registration or payment required. Unlike the casinos back home in the Netherlands, where entrance fees, registration, and drink charges are the norm, here, as long as you’re playing at the tables, all drinks are complimentary.
We had a blast playing, mostly thanks to the enjoyable company. The two girls, Jenny and Mandy from Texas, embodied the quintessential American spirit, here for a good time in Vegas. They shared that they were regulars at this casino, always up for a round of gambling. Eventually, they bid farewell, and we snapped a final photo together. Despite initially losing $20, luck turned in my favor as the night progressed. I managed to recoup my losses and then some. With several successful blackjacks and well-timed double downs, I knew when to call it quits. Walking away with a $95 profit felt like the perfect ending to the night.
From Elation to Regret
Naturally, I was on cloud nine as I strolled back to the hostel, riding high on the euphoria of my unexpected winnings. However, my elation was short-lived. Within the next day, I managed to squander my profits, ultimately ending up $60 in the red in Vegas. Looking back, I realize I should have called it quits after that first successful night, but alas, the allure of the casino floor proved too strong to resist.
The walk back to the hostel with a hefty wad of cash in my pocket was a nerve-wracking experience, especially once I stepped out of the bustling Fremont Street Experience. The characters lurking around the hostel were a bit sketchy, but fortunately, they left me alone. If only they knew I was carrying $250 right then and there!
Back at the hostel, I immersed myself in typing reports until 4 am. Despite the late hour, I felt relaxed and brimming with joy. However, I knew tomorrow would bring a different kind of day. After my experiences in San Francisco, I became acutely aware of the unpredictable behavior of homeless individuals.
