Las Vegas

On the day i had to begin my journey to Las Vegas, winter was still at large at "The Grand Canyon". I made my way through the forest and took the shuttle to Flagstaff. By the time i got off at the Amtrak station the snow fall had evolved into a full blown blizzard, which didn't help me a lot since i had to walk all the way to the Grey Hound station. After i got there i had to wait at least 5 minutes until the lady at the desk decided to pay any attention to me.
   The small waiting room was full of all kinds of people. I heard from one of the bus drivers that the highway was closed yesterday due to the snow storm, and a few buses got turned back, so it turned out that the people in the waiting room have been there since 11pm last night...The good news where that the other highway leading to Vegas was open.
   After a few hours of waiting i finally boarded the bus, and let me tell you...it was a MESS! Grease stains and chewing gum everywhere, and i thought that some of the old buses in Bulgaria where bad. At least there was nobody in the seat next to me so it turned out a little better than expected.
The whole trip took a little more than 5 hours, and i was in Vegas at around 8-30pm. At that point and time a voice in my head said: "You don't need a taxi! You should walk! It's Vegas, at night it should be full of people!" So i said to myself why not?! And took off towards the "Strip" carrying my backpack full of equipment worth around 6500$...
   Immediately i regretted my decision, as the more i walked i saw more closed and bankrupted businesses, dark alleys and not a living soul for miles. I sped up and after around 45minutes of walking(running) i was at the "Stratosphere Hotel & Casino" where i had a room reservation, but for the next night. The view didn't change much on the "Strip", closed casino's and empty building lots, so i decided to catch my breath and warm up in the McDonalds nearby. The boy at the counter was looking at me with his eyes wide open, because i was wearing gloves and a winter hat, then he said to me: " Man you look like you've been through a blizzard!" and i responded: " You are pretty close, i walked all the way form the Grey Hound station", at which he replied that i was completely mental to do that.
  My goal for the night was getting to the Bellagio Casino, and playing some Texas Hold'em Poker, which i did after another 5km walk. I didn't win any money but the experience was well worth it. Tired and cold i checked in a "Travel Lodge" and went to bed.