After we finally figured out how to barricade the air-conditioning unit to not blast us with freezing cold air during the night I actually slept through the night for the first time since arriving to the US. And without me getting restless at around 6 am we all actually slept until 8.30 this morning.

After a quick breakfast at the hotel we packed up once again and started for Las Vegas.

We were lucky and scored a room on the 17th floor with views of the Strip.

As it was a scorching 103 degrees (39 Celcius) we decided to go to the pool before exploring the city. We tried to find a place in the shade at the pool side and frequently dipped into the water in an attempt to cool off. However, as soon as we got out of the water it felt like someone was pointing a hairdryer at us- much too hot for my taste.

We were soon to find out that this heat would stay with us all night- we were in the middle of the dessert after all.

In the early evening we dressed up in the best clothes our suitcases had to offer and went to the Strip. As our hotel was conveniently located MGM was just a short walk away. All the casinos are built like a maze with no windows or natural light thereby giving you an eerie feeling of being suspended in space and time.

We walked through different casinos and visited Reese’s and the M&M store. However, since our teenagers were underage we were not even allowed to stop and watch at the gambling tables. So we decided to go the Bellagio and watch the spectacular illuminated waterplays.

And then hubby had a surprise booked for us: a visit of the Stratosphere tower to see Las Vegas from above! What a sight! The city lights up like a giant Christmas tree, but behind it’s borders it is completely dark.