I'm liking Las Vegas so much I've extended my intended stay by an extra day before the last leg of my trip next week. Had a very early start yesterday to go to the Grand Canyon. Three hours in the bus. Stopped on way to see the Hoover Dam. It's a magnificent structure however the only photo opportunity that we were given was from the rear. Disappointing. Some time later I arrived at the West rim of the Grand Canyon. Surprisingly for a major attraction in the US, 15 miles of the approach road was a bumpy, dirt track. It was very busy and chaotic but eventually got on a helicopter with 4 others who became my new friends for the day. It took off and almost immediately we were over the edge and wow! The sight was spectacular. This is my first time in a helicopter and ten minutes later we landed at a spot beside the Colorado river. Took a boat which sped along zig zagging. The boatman explained that the South side belongs to the Indians and the West to the National park. I was very disappointed that this was the only information given all day. After my previous travels, I had hoped to learn about its history and geological makeup but I suppose I will have to 'google' it like everyone else. The helicopter picked us back up and returned on a different route. (Pronounced rowt here in the US).  Then on to the Indian Hualapai ranch. It was laid out like a Wild West town. Lunch was in the dance hall and there was a jail, a hangmans noose, bar etc. Cowboys demonstrated lassoing skills and guns at dawn. There were horses and wagons and it was a lot of fun. Vegas continues to amaze me at night with different characters, people dressed in fancy dress. I have been told the reason the casinos are not very bright and that there are no clocks around is so that the gamblers are completely unaware of whether it is night or day. I've still not succumbed to a flutter in case I get carried away. Will just have to stick to shopping instead! xx

Las Vegas

There was a large annual Bay to Bridges charity fun run on my way out of the city this morning and they were dressed strangely. In fact someone told me sometimes they do it naked but not sure if that's true.  Had a bit of a bumpy flight but landed after just ver an hour. Was amazed when out as there were slot machines in the departure lounge as well as the luggage carousel. They don't miss an opportunity. Arrived at hotel and as usual took me a while to get my new bearings. My sense of direction is not good as many of you know but I have no chance here. It is full of  gambling areas all looking similar and I'm afraid they are allowed to smoke. In fact a scantily dressed lady goes around with a tray around her neck (like the usherettes used to in the cinema) full of cigarettes, cigars and lighters. It is as noisy as the amusement arcade. Now I have used a casino before but this is a whole new level. I wandered around for ages and was amazed at how many different versions there are of games I have heard of. Many of the croupiers are dressed in not a lot and in fact at one table a few of them are provocatively dancing on tables behind. Assume it is to distract the gentlemen. Another interesting observation was a masseuse going around giving neck massages as men were playing poker at the same time. Spoke to a couple who were playing at the bar. There's no respite when at the bar as there are touch screen games on the work top. She told me that they had two hotel rooms booked in the city and did not know which one they'd use. I asked why and she said it is called double dipping. That is when they are invited to tournaments as they gamble a lot. They were both invited by two different hotels and don't have to pay for their room. Therefore they weren't sure which one they would go for! There were some interesting characters around and a lot of music going around. Will have to explore more tomorrow.

San Francisco

San Francisco itself has a relatively small population of around 812900, but including the Bay Area that increases to just over 7 million. As you can imagine many of those in the bay work in the city so that means rush hour is busy. One of the methods they use to try to help the traffic are the six lanes on the Golden Gate Bridge. They is a cone system not like ours but ones which can be fixed upright into the ground. In morning rush hour the cones allow four lanes coming into the city and only two going out. When evening rush hour they have the reverse. Three lanes each at other times. Great idea. As it is earthquake area, the severe ones being in1906 and most recently 1989, their buildings have to be built to certain criteria. There is an area where they look so close together but the stipulation is that they should be 1" apart to help if they start to shake. Think our builders at home are using that excuse already given the nearness they build their houses to each other. Well had to post another parcel home today to keep the luggage weight within rules. The post office was within Macy's. I didn't look at the rails but got a shock when I passed a mannequin and she moved! Yes they use real women (well I say real women, they are stick thin).  Went to Pier 39 next to Fishermans Wharf. There are many sea lions who have made their home there. They used to live at Lands End until sharks came to the area so they moved to Pier 39 much to the disgust of the large yacht owners who wanted them removed. They tried to move them on with no success and now they bask in the sun in the safe bay, make lots of noises, have fun and entertain us all. They are mesmerising, I could have watched them all day. Went souvenir shopping in Chinatown and had a nice meal. Ended up in a duelling piano bar. First time I have been asked for ID in 30 years. The two pianists took requests and were brilliant at interacting and involving the audience. Only problem was there wasn't anybody to talk to really as all the people were in groups or couples. There was a lot of dancing where folks seemed to dance wildly. In fact two guys who did not know each other started to try to outdo each other and eventually the floor separated and they danced it out. Only here! Wish I could spend another day here but off again tomorrow.

Chapter 5 - USA

Well, it was a long flight. Two hours delay on the runway at Fiji = first time I've had an hours sleep before the plane took off. I've learnt where the best single seat options are and sure I had two seats to myself. Flew over the international date line and so had two Thursdays at once. Just as well as because of delay I missed my connection at Los Angeles. Stood in express queue for immigration as a result (still an hour) and then another line to find another flight 5 hours later, then queued up to check in. Luggage cannot be sent directly in LA due to security. New flight was also delayed so got to San Francisco after midnight. Arrived at my hostel and have bunk beds with a towel and a set of ear plugs on top! I needed them at 3am when someone clattered a load of dishes in the corridor. Up for tour starting at 9.15am. Was grumpy and again thought what is this place about? When I have been in other places I have felt the same until I wakened up. Sure enough later on the world was well again. Went to Alcatraz in the morning. An amazing place. The rules are "you are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege." Saw the solitary confinement cells. Black and in there for a maximum of 19 days, one of them quoted they closed their eyes and imagined things to get their own little stories going to keep sane. Alternatively if they were deemed eventually to be one of the better ones they were transferred to a cell where the sun came in and they could sometimes hear voices from over the water especially at New Year. The most amazing thing is this island has the most amazing views of the bay but they never got to see it. It also has the most lovely plant life. A group of volunteers look after it. Onwards to a half day tour of the city. Mostly it was on the outskirts. Over the Golden Gate Bridge and on to the twin peaks. Went past the Japanese gardens which I remembered from when I was 10 years old, the first time I visited. Had dinner in an Irish bar trying to find my accommodation. Decided to go back there in the evening where there was a guy playing a grand piano (actually it had an organ fitted in) but included everyone around. Names, nationality with naughty innovations. Good night. Back to my little hostel which is a block more than I would like to be for safety but am older and wiser now. Rules on door are on photo but include "don't run naked in corridors". Don't think it will be a problem. Also at breakfast a sign at the sink says "your mother doesn't live here so wash your own dishes". That made me laugh. So USA is fitting in well now so bring it on. Love to all xx