Las Vegas Vacation Diary
Day Fifteen: The Rio and the Sahara
This morning we took the free Shuttle from Harrah's to the Rio which is located off the Strip. The shuttle runs from 10:00AM to 2:00AM. As it turns out we were too early, we took the 10:15 shuttle. We had a free show coupon for Ron Lucas Comedy, but the show wasn't until 3:00 and the lavish Mardi Gras parade over the main casino area doesn't start until 4:00. The Casino is smaller than the others and the top of the tower bar wasn't open until evening. |
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For a picture gallery of the Rio: Las Vegas Dreaming - Rio
We got bored and took the shuttle back. We hopped on the monorail and went up to the Sahara.
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When we got to the Sahara it was like stepping back into the 60's. The Sahara is an older casino and is showing its age, but it is not the least intimidating. It is small and manageable. There is a pillar in the casino that has a plaque commemorating the stay of the Beetles! |
For a picture gallery of the Sahara: Las Vegas Dreaming - Sahara
We saw a free magic show, took some pictures and explored the outside and watched the seriously scary roller coaster. The theme is Moorish, as you would expect from the name. There are mosaics, camels and chandeliers. |
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What's on the Strip?-Walking the Las Vegas Strip - Stop Nine- The Sahara and Las Vegas Hilton
We decided to explore the well-advertised souvenir shop we could see across the nearest intersection. Well, getting there was part of the adventure. We walked across a seriously scary cross walk that counted down the seconds until you were fair game for the cars stopped at the light.
On the corner Ivana Trump has an office where she is selling condominiums. Donald Trump is selling condominiums down near the Wynn.
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We were heading for the Bonanza Souvenir shop. It had retired policemen in uniform watching everyone to prevent shoplifting. The usual trinkets and trivia were displayed. I bought a $12.99 beaded top from India. Ken bought a variety of colourful dice from the casinos. |
After walking around a while we went to back to the Sahara to have the traditional Prime Rib dinner. From 4:30 to 7:00 the Caravan Cafe has a Prime Rib, Baked Potato, salad and bread rolls for $7.95. The same dinner is $13.95 down the glitzier end of the strip. And it was great! It really reminded me of my first trip to Vegas in 1960 when I was very young, the food was cheap as dirt, and Fremont Street was the gambling center. |
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We went home by Monorail and collapsed. We will go back to the Rio
before we leave, but at a more sensible time.