Viva Las Vegas!

I’ve been in hot, hot, hot Las Vegas right now attending and participating in the ASA conference. It’s been 104 degrees today, and tomorrow the weather forecasts 111 degrees! Even though it’s a dry heat, it’s still very hot. Staying inside the hotel doesn’t offer much relief, as you can’t walk anywhere without walking through the noisy, neon-light flashing,

bell-ringing, smoke smelling casino. It’s a relief just to step into the elevator for some quiet!

This is a place of contradictions, because in the midst of the noise and neon lights stand many large statues among flowing fountains and colorful frescoes.

The artwork engenders feelings of ancient Rome and the middle of card tables of blackjack and poker. Every once in a while the gleeful yelps of winners sound throughout the casino.
Caesar’s Palace is huge!

I haven’t the words to describe how big it really is except that it takes a full 20-25 minute walk at a brisk pace to reach the section of the hotel where the conference is held. Yesterday morning I walked around the hotel for 3 hours; just exploring and I haven’t seen it all yet. I did find that this hotel houses a complete two-story mall with a circular escalator.
This is a loud, noisy place where the neon lights glow 24-7. As Elvis Presley said, Viva Las Vegas!