Las Vegas is, without question, one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities. Travelers come here from all over the world, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds. We are here for my youngest daughter’s wedding, so we have had a week or so to sample the city’s many interesting and unusual sights. Over the next few days, I will discuss some of the major Las Vegas attractions. So, welcome to Las Vegas:

Welcome to Las Vegas

The Welcome Sign has been greeting visitors since 1959. Its parking lot is constantly busy with picture-takers. Tour buses always stop here as well.

“The Strip” is the heartbeat of the city. This 2 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard offers thousands of hotel rooms, exciting shows and a tremendous variety of entertainment. I will begin my series with a look at the southwestern section of the Strip — roughly from City Center to Mandalay Bay. The latter marks the southern tip of The Strip — its theme is Southeast Asian and features lush vegetation and many aquatic sights.

Mandalay Bay

Moving north we next arrive at Luxor, whose theme centers around Egyptian civilization. The entrance to this incredible complex includes an Egyptian obelisk, and a huge Sphinx. The hotel lobby is in the shape of pyramid.

Luxor

The next stop is the Excalibur, shaped like a castle with an Arthurian theme.

Excalibur

Continuing northward we find New York, New York, a Las Vegas tribute to the Big Apple. The hotel exterior features many of the icons of New York, such as, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Grand Central Station, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

New York, New York

When we cross Tropicana Avenue, we come to the Monte Carlo, a hotel which harkens to this long-time symbol of wealth, the country of Monaco.

Monte Carlo

Stay tuned for more installments in this Las Vegas Interlude.