To Las Vegas for the first time ever, a place about which I had heard and read a great deal. It was no surprise yet full of surprises. I knew everything would be done to excess but had no idea of the magnitude of the excesses.
The sheer scale of the buildings , each trying to out do the other with vast casino halls, Eiffel Tower ( see my photograph ) and Statue of Liberty reproductions, dancing fountains and monorails.
Food and drink in vast quantities is everywhere.
There is an excitement and buzz which is electric. Playing blackjack is something I love and doing it here gives you a great kick. I did not stretch to the roulette or poker with the 50 dollar minimum bet.
Despite an unforgettable experience - not least The Mandarin Oriental Hotel with world-class staff - I was reminded that gambling can be an addiction. In addition to all of the very happy people, I watched row upon row of sad faces - mostly women - starling blankly at slot machines, presumably having lost their last dollar and not quite sure what to do next. Not surprisingly none of the machines burst into life and came to their salvation.