Las Vegas is the sin city of world fame. Some here play on human weaknesses, others simply play – gambling, immersed with their heads. But there are many other attractions: shows, concerts, brand presentations. The entertainment industry is the driving force of the city, and tourists are not only welcome guests, but the main participants in this celebration of life.
The history of this fast-growing center in the middle of the desert is symbolic. Its name, which means «fertile valleys» in Spanish, is linked to the legend of a lost caravan. The lost caravan was lucky enough to find a spring of water that saved their lives. In time, the railroad passed through here and another one crossed it. The town grew and gradually became a symbol of freedom and opportunity. For the natives of the more «austere» states, it was an oasis of pleasure in the wilderness – even though it was easy to get lost there.
In addition to its passion for gambling, parties, and shows, Vegas cleverly plays on a common tourist craze: sightseeing. They built their own Eiffel Tower and created a little Venice. If you want, you can go to ancient Egypt or Rome to see King Arthur's castle. But this city is not a trickster, but a brilliant illusionist, and does not hide it.
The surroundings of the City of Pleasure are another dimension. It is a world of majestic primeval nature and indigenous civilization. The Grand Canyon is the deepest gorge in the world, the steep slopes of which are a record of half a billion years, tens of geological epochs. No less «alien» is Death Valley. Its abnormally high temperatures can scare away visitors, but not filmmakers – it was here that «Star Wars», «The Three Godfathers» and other films were shot. An amazing experience awaits guests at the Indian reservation, the Hualapai Village. This is a chance not only to touch the living culture and life of the Native Americans, but also to communicate with them. Among the man-made wonders of these places are the Skywalk glass bridge with its breathtaking views around and underfoot, and the Hoover Dam.
