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.
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