Exciting. Shimmering. Fabulous. This is what Las Vegas to me. Apart from our two-week vacation in California, we will visit my niece and her family in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas. We can’t contain our excitement as we traveled from one state to the other to see the charm and elegance of what is known as “The Entertainment Capital of the World”.

Visiting the United States for the first time brought a surreal feeling to my own existence (to my mom and daughter as well). The tall pines trees, oak trees, spectacular sunrise, autumn leaves, and the squirrels are just a few subjects for IG-worthy photos. And for us who are living in a tropical country, waking up in a cold freezing morning is really a breeze!

California is a beautiful State. Nevada is another. I was so thankful to my sister Gie, my niece Miko and her husband Derrick for sponsoring our US trip.

Due to the conflict of schedule and availability of airfare trips, we only have four days and three nights in Las Vegas. We were about to take a bus to enjoy a long road trip but due to thick layers of snow on some roads, we will fly on air through Spirit Airlines.

Sacramento International Airport

We boarded an Uber taxi in getting to Sacramento International Airport, which is located in Sacramento County in California. Said airport serves the Greater Sacramento Area and is managed by the Sacramento County Airport System.

We were dropped in Central Terminal B, the new international terminal that was opened in October 2011. It has eye-catching architectural interiors which include floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let natural light pass through. The time we arrived, I was awed with the rays of the sun passing through it. It was beautiful.

Another attraction in the terminal is the suspended red hare called “Leap” designed by artist Lawrence Argent. Other works of art include sculptures, mosaics, chandeliers that are a good subject for photography. There is free Wi-Fi at the airport.

There are several restaurants in the airport where you can have a bite before your flight. There are coffee shops to perk up the mood. You may go shopping in any of its charming boutiques too where you can buy travel goods, bags, jewelry, accessories, outdoor gear, equipment, and a lot more.

When we had our fill of the airport, we boarded the train in getting to the Gate. We waited there for our 6:00 pm flight.

McCarran International Airport

The weather was good and so our air travel took us about one hour only. It is another worthy experience to land in McCarran International Airport, which is located in Paradise, Nevada. The airport is owned by Clark County and operated by the Clark County Development of Aviation.

It is nice to see the initial fabulous side of the city as we walked around the airport. It has lively LED signage and banners. It was big and surprisingly, it has slot machines. However, if you want to embark on gaming before you leave, you may do so.

Other things to do @ McCarran are to shop, eat in selected food options, hang out in a lounge area or play at the Kids Play Area. If you still have a few minutes before the flight or before your loved ones pick you up, you may visit the Aviation Museum and the Airport Art. There is also free Wi-Fi at the airport.

The Heartwarming feeling

Miko, Derrick, and their two adorable sons fetched us in the arrival area. It was a heartwarming feeling to see and embrace my niece again after years of no personal contact. My niece looks much prettier and charming.

It was our first time to meet in person, the handsome dad Derrick, and their cute kiddos, Zedd and Enzo. Happy stories and laughter were exchanged as we boarded their car. We were in high spirits as we sped off on the wide Nevada roads.

Dinner at Pho Little Miss Saigon

Miko and Derrick are lovers of Asian food so we had our first dinner in Pho Little Saigon, a Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant. Derrick ordered these yummy meals: Cha Gio (ground pork roll with shrimp and carrots); Pho Chin (brisket and flank noodle soup); Gom Ga Hai Nam (Hai Nam Style chicken with seasoned rice and Bun Cha Gio (egg roll with rice vermicelli and vegetable).

These delicious meals had big servings. Our tummies were filled to the brim! After we were satiated, we spent a little time at the parking lot to expel air due to heavy dinner. Haha!. My heart was leaping for joy when we boarded the car again and passed by at the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Address: 2001 N Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

It was already late in the evening so we will not stroll anymore because the kids are sleepy. The Strip is smiling at me, giving me a first glimpse of what we will see and explore the next day. We are off to a good start and this trip promises happy memories that we will surely take when we bid good-bye to the city.

There is No Place like Home

There are cheap hotels in the Strip. However, we decided to stay in Miko’s house so we can gather in one place to enjoy the typical getting-together Filipino family style. Capping the night out with swapping of stories, munching snacks, and drinking espresso is best when shared in the company of loved ones. And this is what makes Filipinos unique.

Good night freezing Nevada!

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