When I found out that Grand Canyon was doable from Las Vegas via day trips or tours, I was very determined to make it happen. There were a number of national parks and canyon also within the vicinity such as Death Valley and Zion. After much contemplating and considering the time that I have in the States, I decided to include Antelope Canyon and I signed up for 2D1N package with MaxTour which cost 399 dollars for single occupancy. Made my booking 3 weeks before the actual day, this tour was one of my most anticipated itinerary.
One of the pick up points for other tour members. Saw this hotel during my search before deciding to stay at AirBnB eventually.
The day started as early as 4am as I needed to take a ride to El Cortez Hotel, nearby Fremont Street for 5.30am pick up as the tour only offered free pick up from hotels nearby The Strip and downtown. Thankfully Lyft was available in the early (or late hours) so I didn't need to walk the same path when I first arrived in Vegas. As I waited for my tour van, there was a police car pulled over another car right in front of the hotel. All the police scenes that I usually came across in the news started to flash in my mind, thinking what could happen next, just to see it ended well (or anti-climatically). The big van came and I was the first one onboard and we went on to pick up the rest before we continued on the journey. Free flow of snacks and drinks (bottled Starbucks included) were provided in the package. Picked up last passenger from MGM Grand, along with another family who didn't show up as per schedule at the previous hotel, we made our way to Hoover Dam as our first bonus stop.
The building of this dam believed to promote the growth of population in Las Vegas back in the 1930's by offering job opportunities during The Great Depression.
Crossing Nevada-Arizona state border at this point.
Admiring the desert of view of Arizona as we cruised along Route 93 before we arrived at Seligman, birthplace of the historic Route 66. It was a little township which gave old school cowboy town vibe. We did a quick stop at Motoporium for toilet break and there was mini exhibit of antique cars inside the store. When I thought I would no longer see snow after my trip at the far north, we were passing by stretches of the white matter before reaching Williams for lunch. Moving on further up along Route 64, we were getting closer and closer to the main destination of the day.
My Tour Van with the entourage. A Thousand Miles is playing in the background.
Hello, Route 66! Couldn't believe I get to step my foot at this iconic route.
One with the cars. There was no real explanation why these cars were here. Or is there?
This gave me Cruella Devil vibe, from 101 Dalmatians movie.
Couldn't leave this route without a photo, could I?
Lunch break at Pine Country Restaurant.
Little township of Williams. Our last stop before the main event.
We entered the park via South Rim of Grand Canyon and Yavapai was our first view point. Despite of the cloudy weather, it didn't dampen the magnificent view of the canyon. My breath was taken away as many times as I looked down and beyond which seemed to know no boundaries. During this time of the year, snow was visible which definitely icing on the cake, compensated the gloomy sky. We tracked along Rim Trail for different vantage points where the pathway was icy and slippery. Essentially there was no tracking required to get to these view points as there was proper concrete walkway for visitors with railing in place, with public restroom provided nearby. Bought myself few souvenirs at Yavapai Museum of Geology before being brought to Pipe Creek Vista, further down along South Rim. It was close to 6pm when we were at last view point before we decided to call it a day. It was getting dark as the sun started to set. Looking at the grandeur structure for one last time and we were brought to have our dinner at New York Teriyaki in the little township of Page. There were few options given by Joseph, our tour guide and everyone seemed to be opting for the same eatery. I started to get acquainted with another traveller during dinner who happened to be doing solo travel as well. We went on to check in to our hotel and rested for the night. Arizona has different time zone than California and Nevada, which is one hour faster.
Standing at the precipice and in awe of this view.
"I am on the edge... of glory. The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge..."
Another viewpoint, with snowy sidewalks.
Model of Grand Canyon at Yavapai Museum.
One with the signage before moving to another check point. In case you couldn't see it or you were wondering, yes, it was raining.
View from Pipe Creek Vista.
One last shot with the canyon.
My stay for the night. 399 dollars seemed to be a very good bargain.
Day 2 of the tour needn't to start as early since we were already nearby to our next point of interest. Breakfast was included but I decided to skip just to have a banana instead. The group gathered at hotel lobby around 8am and off we went to our first pitstop of the day, which was just 30 minutes away. This particular stop wasn't part of main highlight of this tour, at least for me, at least not in the beginning since the major driver was Grand Canyon. More so, for this particular excursion, additional 70 dollars was not included in the initial fee of 399 dollars. There were two reasons for this; the visit to Antelope Canyon was very much weather dependent and the tour would be cancelled should the forecast indicate heavy rain for the fear of flash flood. There was history of hikers being swept away as stream of water started to gush through the narrow channels and never been found or presumed dead, which made it mandatory only guided tour is allowed at the canyon. Secondly, the canyon is located at Navajo Nation whereby only Navajo is allowed to lead the tour, which explained the separate charge was to be paid separately to another agency. Lucky for us, the weather was on our side.
There were so many points of interest at this region. I'm seeing myself returning in the future just to check these off my list.
Each tour only allowed up to 10 pax and since my tour has extra member, I volunteered to join separate group, joining Italian tourists. The weather was rather gloomy with mild rain, fortunately it didn't get any heavier throughout the time we were there. I thought my guide was a serious dude with the stern look but turned out to have good sense of humour. The tour started with walking down very steep staircase towards the canyon, a slight slip could be fatal. Only photo taking was allowed within the canyon. I overheard the the other group guide (which was actually my original group) caught one of them recording video and asking him (or her) to delete it, else to leave the canyon. With that said, the rules were being enforced pretty strictly. No bagpack is allowed as well. Just before the tour started, Joseph taught us to configure the camera settings on phones so that could we capture the vivid colours of the sandstones walls as we would be going down of the canyon with limited lighting.
My tour guide on the left. Started to walk down to where the little shelter was, the starting point of the steep stairs.
View from the top looking down. Looking at the formation. You would be in for a treat.
One of the stairs within the canyon. Look at that steep stairways.
The trail was rather decent despite of the narrow pathways in which certain parts could only fit one person to go through. It wasn't a strenuous one-mile walk, with little stairs climbing here and there. I found myself in continuous amazement at every turn; you could stand at one spot with multiples perspectives, surrounded by the canyon walls. The same wall could have different impressions/interpretations from different angle. Our guide was very knowledgeable as he shared the history of canyon and showed us the sites that were used as wallpapers for TVs/mobile devices. Though right now, I wasn't sure which photo in my phone gallery is used for which wallpaper right now as there were all as pretty good pictures as the others. At one point he asked me how to pronounce seahorse in Malay (I told him I am from Malaysia) and subsequently he showed a formation that looked like one. For about an hour or so, we finally came to the exit of canyon. I thought we were supposed to tip the guide but ending up I didn't get to give any. I reunited with my tour group and we were off for next stop.
My first (of many) photo.
My tour guide helped me to take this photo,
and this...
and this. This is my current top photo of all time now.
Lady in the Wind. Can you see it?
Kuda laut. Seahorse. "Hai Ma". Weird coincidence that I'm working in the city with seahorse as its mascot.
Last selfie. As you can see, the tour groups were just keep coming and it would be very hard to take a lone photo inside the canyon. So, quick tip, be quick when there was no one around and of course, be considerate.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
We passed by the junction while we were on our way to the hotel the night before getting back from Grand Canyon. Walking through Arizona desert and could see crowd of tourists were already at the scenic view point of Horsehoe Bend. I bumped into some familiar faces that I saw back in Antelope Canyon, expected so since distance between the two was rather close. As the day went on, it started to rain albeit mildly but enough to soak myself wet. We were at the bend for about an hour before heading off to Big John's Texas BBQ for lunch break. We did one last stop to have overview of Lake Powell but the sky was totally overcast. We have one last group photo before heading our way back to Las Vegas, 4 hours journey ahead of us. At some point we crossed the state border and for a brief moment, we were in the state of Utah, before getting back to Arizona.
Walking towards the bend. Look at how the sky transitioned from left to right.
Leaving my footprint at this beauty.
Even the rain couldn't stop me from taking this selfie.
Me and Arizona's desert in winter.
Hearty lunch with this pork rib and a bottle of beer.
One photo with the tour group before going separate ways at the end of the day.
Quick stop in the state of Utah. So technically, I visited six states in this trip instead of five.
Scenic view of Route 15 as we were on our way back to the sin city.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Me and my newly-made friend requested to be dropped off right in front of Linq Promenade for dinner. We walked along The Strip, completely illuminated this time, towards Resort World to catch David Blaine show. I never knew David Blaine was still doing show and just happened he was having one when I was in Vegas. My friend only decided to join me when I told him on our way back to Vegas. The show started with David Blaine climbing up one of the scaffolding, around 80 feet high, before jumping off and landed onto pile of boxes. He needed medical emergency in which I thought was part of the gimmick when he mentioned that he dislocated his right shoulder until it started to get a little too long. He began asking for assistance from the audience in which there were doctors at least, if not specialist came to his aid. Some of the audience seem to lose their patience and decided to leave the hall. Despite so, the show went on as he managed to pop his shoulder back in, though still in slight discomfort. David told us we could just film/record the show if we wanted to, against the usual regulations that forbade us to do so.
He continued on with his acts, for some might be a bit too hard to stomach which involved sewing his mouth or piercing needles into his skin with volunteers from the audience came on stage to be his assistants. When I thought he submerged under water, holding his breath for 9 minutes would be the highlight but it was the final act that actually blown me away. Initially he asked a little boy to join him on stage and passed him deck of cards. Some of the audience, myself included have similar decks at our seats and was given instructions to shuffle the card as how we wanted to, randomly. What is the odd that when he asked to draw out the last card, everyone was showing four of hearts in their hands, including the boy's. Totally mind "eff-ed" for a while. The whole show lasted for about 2 hours. It was beyond my initial plan that I could catch David Blaine show, which was a nice conclusion of my last weekend in the States. Retrieved our bagpack, we bade farewell to each other and returned to respective stays.
My last dinner in Vegas at Off The Strip.
Waiting for the show to start.
David's opening act. Moment before he dislocated his left shoulder.
Snippet of David Blaine's attempt holding his breath under water for 9 minutes and he did!
The last card that everyone drew out for David's last act. Still mind blown on how he did it.
Last night in Vegas. Was waiting for my Lyft after sending my friend off to his hostel.
It came to final day of me and my friend on this trip together before embarking this journey further solo. Both of us would be taking flights in the afternoon to respective destinations. We needed to return our car by noon so we started our day early at the first Starbucks store in which we decided to skip during our first day in Seattle. This time around the hotel we stayed was further away from our initial AirBnB so we took the bus down to the city. It was 8am as we arrived and there was not much crowd and definitely no queue. Retaking the shot right in front of the store before going in, the store only allowed for to go, couldn’t drink and chill there. It was relatively a small store while maintaining its old look with wooden floor; left side selling the merchandise with original logo and the barista counter on the right. Ordered myself a Frappuccino, I have been contemplating how many merchandise I wanted to to buy. Initially bought three then soon after getting another.
Greeted by these tree of sakura upon arrival the night before. (and the homeless).
One of my favourite towers now. Missing it for sure.
Retake this photo and this time, almost all by myself.
Go back in time when it all started. Now, it has the world.
One with the original or first Starbucks logo.
It would be a missed opportunity if I didn't take this photo, which was literally at Pike Place. That's me with a bag of four Starbucks merchandise.
Ah, did I mention, back in San Francisco, most of the buildings were built along slopes like this?
We took the bus getting to north of Lake Union to arrive at Gas Works Park. It was named as such as there was abandoned gasification plant nearby which was now all rusty and I supposed they decided to keep it as an attraction rather than completely decommissioned. Hardly spot any tourist here either, perhaps it was still very early and bumped into locals doing their jogs and walking their dogs. Spotted some swans too, reminding me of Hyde Park scene back in London. This place gave another vantage point of Seattle skyline. There were lots of ships at the lake and I wonder how did they get there until I made to know that the freshwater lake was actually connected to the sea via Washington Lake Ship Canal. As the clock struck close to 10, we commuted back to our hotel to prepare for checking out. The weather started to clear out as it was cloudy earlier in the day.
I guess I couldn't run away from my work, could I?
Almost fall into the lake when trying to take this shot.
The sky was clearing out as we headed back to hotel, as if it wanted me to have nice glimpse of this tower before leaving.
Bye bye, Four Points. Thanks for the free parking!
Ok, may be not yet. Emotional pose before really checking out.
Didn't get to use the gym but a seflie would do.
Bidding farewell to the city as we drove by, we got our car fueled before returning to the same car rental centre where we rented Tesla few days earlier. Similarly, we took the free shuttle bus to the airport. Supposedly me and my friend should hop on different buses as our flight would be taking off from different terminals but since we were still early, we decided to go the same terminal, only to realise that both terminals were actually connected. I guess the difference was the buses would stop at opposite ends of the airport. I booked Delta Airlines for my flight for my next destination. Initially confused with the flight options, I bought the cheapest fare which wouldn't allow flight change and baggage check-in, the latter part still applied for subsequent fares, only to realise it was to be purchased separately regardless. It cost 30 dollars for first baggage (23kg allowance) and I did so when I checked in my flight online. Baggage drop was smooth with no hassle and I thought that was fast until it was time for security check by TSA. We queued for almost half an hour before getting ourselves screened, where we needed to take off our shoes and jackets as well. The execution was efficient alright, there were just too many passengers. Apparently there was fast track sort of lane, in which I reckoned at additional cost. My friend and I would be boarding at different gates so we had quick lunch at central of the airport before saying our goodbye. Slowly walking towards my designated gate, I patiently waited for boarding announcement.
Seattle Tacoma International Airport. My first domestic flight in the States.
20 years of friendship and still counting. Goodbye for now. More adventure awaits in the future.
For a close to 3 hours flight, they served biscoff cookies and a cup of drink. I wasn’t sure whether I was pampered by my own domestic flight back in Malaysia whereby a 2 hour flight I would be served full meal. Not that I was hungry or anything at that time. That aside, the view outside of window (lucky to get window seat since I got the cheapest ticket) was magnificent as the plane started to make its way down south, or more like southwest. Beneath the sea of clouds were deserts and mountainous area with snows coating the peaks. As the plane slowly descended, familiar landmarks started to appear before it finally touched down at Henry Reid International Airport. I shouldn’t be surprised at the scene of slot machines at the airport since this is Las Vegas. Yes, my next stop was the sin city.
In flight meal of close to 3 hours flight onboard Delta Airlines.
Gorgeous view.
Well, this was a clear sign that I was in Vegas. And I was still at the airport.
and this welcome sign affirmed my destination.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Needed to take train to separate building to retrieve my luggage, I booked a Lyft to get to my AirBnB. I didn’t realise that I booked somewhere nearby downtown, a decision that I almost regretted but everything still turned out ok in the end. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by my host and she recommended nearby eatery when I said I wanted mexican dinner. The place that I stayed wasn’t that well lit and there was construction along the main road. Could spot some homeless folks lingering around. As I entered the eatery, I needed to google what to order as the menu was in Spanish. Most of the customers seemed to be speaking Spanish. There were multiple counters which happened to mean different kinds of meats so I decided just to go with the longest queue for quick fix to my hunger.
First meal in Vegas at Tacos El Gordo
Fremont Street was around 30 minutes walk from my AirBnB and the street was pretty quiet and dark. I would be lying that I wasn’t scared. I have done few solo trips in the past, back in Europe, China and even South East Asia but nothing felt like this at that point of time. Not sure if it was the vibe or the homeless that wander around. Not that they did approach me or anything but some of them did try to talk to me as I walked by in which I quickly ignored. My anxiousness slowly allayed as I was getting closer to the place where streets started to be busy with crowd. There was container city but the shops mostly have closed. Walked further up and I arrived at classic street of Vegas if I am allowed to call it. Fremont Street was illuminated with HD LED ceiling, together with flashing light of casino signages. There were stages set up at different parts of the street which came with performances. There were number of street performances too, and some hunks and cabana ladies walking around asking you to take photos with them, not free of course. I decided to head back early and increased my pace this time to get back to my AirBnB the soonest.
This mantis was spurting fire while I was approaching.
Hello, hello Vegas. Still couldn't believe I was at this city.
Lights, lights and more lights.
Do you see what I see?
Ok found this chapel. Though I wasn't sure who got married here.
Started my day 1 in Las Vegas slightly later for my brunch at Makers and Finders at Art District. Seemed to be a famous place as I needed to wait a while before getting my seat at the bar. Unsure I was oblivious previously or I didn’t know the customers seating at the bars were to be attended by the bartenders. Ordered myself a mocha and the lox. The day started cold as I was still wearing my jacket but the sky was clearly blue on that day. It was around 20 minutes walk before I was coming into face to face with the iconic Strat Tower, which was always featured in the CSI series. I skipped getting up to the tower and proceeded heading towards The Strip, with Sahara that came first in sight. Fountainbleau was still in construction when I was there and soon after, I was next to Resort World, which was owned by Genting Group. Not long after, Treasure Island, Venetian, The Mirage et cetera came to sight. It was still noon and the pedestrian street was not crowded with people yet, in which I supposed it would only pick up when the night fell, which proved to be true.
The Lox Benedict and my usual coffee, Mocha.
Arts District, walking towards The Strip, with Strat Tower in the background
Welcome sign next to the tower.
Las Vegas Boulevard is a long stretch of road and The Strip is just part of it. And yes, it was sunny day and I was back to my short sleeves. Missing the tropical climate at this point.
Of all the casino resorts or hotels, I made first stop at Venetian entering the Grand Canal Shoppes, obviously heavily inspired by Venice, Italy with canals and gondola going through the mall. The blue ceiling with patches of cloud gave the impression that the shops were outdoors. There was some shooting going on though I didn’t recognise them, not sure if they were celebrities or just some influencers. Passing by The Ceasars Palace, I crossed the street to stroll along Linq Promenade which was next to Flamingo. It was full of restaurants with High Roller at the end of street. Speaking of Caesars Palace, it is known to host big names having their concert residency at the Colosseum. It was Adele's during the time I was there. I have the thought to get myself a ticket until I saw the price, cheapest at one thousand... dollars. If it was still Celine Dion, I think I would buy it without second thought. Moving on, the famous fountain that I marked as must see in my list was nearby, the Bellagio Fountain. I got to know about this from James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke episode with Celine Dion where they did the Titanic flying scene at the fountain. The fountain was located exactly opposite of Paris Las Vegas.
Grand Canal Shoppes
When I was about to leave the place, a familar tune started to play and I stayed a little while..
The Venetian Las Vegas
Linq Promenade, options of eateries to fill your hunger
Caesars Palace, with the Colosseum in the middle.
Paris Las Vegas.
Hungry from walking for almost half day, decided to have lunch at Momofoku at Cosmopolitan which was right next to Bellagio. Ordered ramen and lemonade, the ramen tasted tad a bit too bland for me. Perhaps I was used to flavoury broth that I had back in Japan or even in Malaysia. But being in Vegas, it was a thing to try the celebrity chef’s restaurant so at least I have done it. Why I didn’t go Gordon Ramsay’s instead you might ask. I have no answer for that. I saw Hell's Kitchen though. Did a quick stop at M&M store which featured four storeys of chocolate funs and merchandises. I continued to walk further down the strip until Luxor as my last stop before I detoured to where I came from. The crowd started to build up as it was close to sunset. Was chilling at Starbucks Cosmopolitan to ease on the legs while waiting for the fountain show at Bellagio. The show only started at 3pm and it wasn't the time when I first arrived earlier. The show was brief, for like 5 minutes and there was a lady, I believe she was South American with Latino accent asked for my help to take photo of her, after knowing I was waiting for the fountain show too. I put The Forum Shops at Caesars as my last stop of the day before catching a show. What show? I left that to your imagination.
Ramen and lemonade at Momofoku. It was okay.
A picture of it could do.
M&M Store at Las Vegas.
New York-New York. Next place to visit for next trip. The real NYC.
Titanic Exhibition at Luxor.
Chilling with the seasonal Starbucks drink, Dragon Drink.
Bellagio Fountain show in the back. Dare say this site the grandest at the area.
Of all the hotels, I would say Caesars Palace has the grandest entrance, or my favourite.
Since I couldn't get to the show, a photo of the entrance will do.
Overview of The Strip, walked from one end to another.
Should you know this view point, you could have guessed what show did I watch to conclude my day 1 in Las Vegas.
