Today would be my final day gambling at the strip. I woke up around midnight after spending the entire night using my laptop in the dorm. It was blissfully empty since everyone else was out partying at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Having the place to myself was quite enjoyable. I made good use of the room’s refrigerator, which was really convenient. After realizing someone had been drinking my Coke from the communal kitchen for the past two days, I decided to keep my drinks in the room to prevent any more thefts. Those coke thieves were absolute morons!
After grabbing a bite to eat, it was time to head to the airport to pick up the car. I left around 2 pm, aiming to get to the rental place by 4 pm. I caught the bus near the hostel, which would take me to the airport. Waiting for the bus was unbearable as I tried to time my arrival perfectly to minimize exposure to the scorching heat. Thankfully, the bus had air conditioning, offering a much-needed relief from the intense heat that was driving me crazy.
Upon reaching the airport, I headed to the opposite side where the car rental shuttles were stationed. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me, or I would have taken some photos of the area.
Another Rental Car
Upon arriving at the car rental center around 3:30 pm, I found it to be a sizable and well-organized facility. Opting to rent from Thrifty once again, I approached the desk where I encountered a slight hiccup in their service. The attendant informed me that the total cost was around $300. “That doesn’t sound right, sir. It should be closer to $200,” I interjected. “Yes, but this includes the insurance and the fuel deal,” he explained. “I don’t need those. Just leave them out, no insurance,” I insisted.
“Are you sure? Many people are here for EDC this weekend,” he countered, perhaps noticing my hesitation. Recalling the incident with the car in Los Angeles, where some scratches occurred (attributed to the valet service), I hesitated. “No insurance,” I reiterated firmly. “And I’m not attending EDC.” “Parking in Las Vegas will be fine, and I’ll be driving myself this time,” I added. “I understand you’re not attending EDC, sir, but I mean that there are a lot of people around for EDC,” he persisted. At this point, it became evident that the attendant was trying to upsell me an overpriced insurance package for $100. “No insurance,” I stated firmly for the last time.
Hyundai Elantra
Upon picking up the car, I was once again pleasantly surprised. This time, it was a clean, luxurious-looking Hyundai Elantra waiting for me. Prepared for the journey, I had brought along three of my CDs. Navigating the streets of Las Vegas proved to be a breeze. In fact, driving in America, in general, is quite straightforward, with city streets laid out in plain blocks. In the distance, I could spot the Strip, a long, straight avenue adorned with major hotels, while Fremont lay to the north. Las Vegas Boulevard would guide me toward Fremont Street.
Once I collected the car, I was once again impressed. It was a clean, luxurious Hyundai Elantra awaiting me. Ready for the road ahead, I had packed three of my favorite CDs. Navigating Las Vegas proved to be a breeze, as driving in America, in general, tends to be straightforward with its grid-like city streets. In the distance, I could see the Strip—a long, straight avenue lined with major hotels. Fremont lay to the north of it. However, navigating the city streets posed a different challenge. Las Vegas Boulevard would guide me to Fremont Street, marking the start of my next adventure.
Back to the Hostel
I returned to the hostel in just 30 minutes, with only the occasional delay caused by traffic lights. Tonight, I was determined to experience the Strip in all its illuminated glory. Despite hearing countless times that it’s more spectacular at night, I had yet to witness it myself.
Upon returning to the hostel, I opted for a quick lunch from McDonald’s, enjoying it back at the hostel. Cooking wasn’t a viable option given the conditions; the hostel’s kitchen was less than desirable, with a distinct odor and occasional cockroach sightings at night. While many other backpackers made use of the kitchen facilities, my hygiene standards were simply too high to risk it.
Nighttime Gambling at the Strip
In the evening, I ventured towards the Strip, aiming to park near the Paris area. Following a left turn at the Eiffel Tower, I eventually located a parking garage in the vicinity. While valet service was available, I opted for the free parking option. After a bit of maneuvering within the garage, I secured a spot as a car pulled out. Making my way to the entrance, I found myself inside a vast mall. Initially mistaking it for an outdoor setting (although the artificial nature was evident in photos), I was intrigued by the Middle Eastern theme of the mall, finding its ambiance quite appealing.
Navigating through the expansive mall proved challenging, and it took me a good 15 minutes to locate the exit. Once outside, I realized I was just south of Planet Hollywood. Crossing the street via the bridge, I ascended to the top, capturing some picturesque shots of the avenue below. Continuing my journey northward toward Paris and the Bellagio Hotel, I encountered dense crowds moving at a frustratingly slow pace, which left me feeling increasingly impatient.
Another Fountain Show
Once more, I took a break at the Bellagio Hotel to marvel at its mesmerizing fountain show. Initially, I began capturing the moment with some photos, but soon switched to recording a short video of the fountain’s enchanting performance. The beauty and grace of the fountains captivated me, and I found myself eagerly watching each cycle of the show every 15 minutes without the slightest hint of boredom.
Following the fountain show, I crossed the street once more, continuing my stroll towards the northern end of the Strip. As fatigue began to set in, I sought refuge inside the nearby casinos. Despite my previous losses, I couldn’t resist the allure of blackjack. Before taking a seat at a table where a couple was already playing, I observed their game and noted their streak of losses. Taking a chance, I joined them, hoping for a change in fortune for us all.
Out of Luck
As expected, luck wasn’t on my side. I ended up losing once again. With a total loss of 60 dollars, I realized I had broken my promise to myself. Nevertheless, I found some solace in the enjoyable evening spent at the tables. Despite this, I resolved that this would be my final gambling session. I was certain that as long as I kept myself occupied, I wouldn’t feel the urge to gamble again.
I walked outside the Quad casino and decided to call it a night. I was tired and it was a 20 minute walk back to the car. Around 11.30 pm I arrived back at the hostel. The hostel parking was always a hassle. I first had to park the car and get the key from the reception. After that I could open the fence and park the car the car in the secured fenced area.
In the evening and night I worked on some articles again and some planning. The last weeks of this journey were all about planning it out. I booked the hostels for the next destinations and checked my finances. Only one month of travel time left and yet, it was going to be awesome. This journey gets crazier every week, haha.
Around 4 am I finally went to sleep. Tomorrow I had to be awake in time. I see another awesome thing on this journey. Life is USA!
