Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas... well, it's definitely a unique place that one. I was there for just under a week to attend the Blackhat and Defcon hacking conferences. Why they hold these in the middle of summer is beyond me...

Highlights of the trip included my first rollercoaster ride on the top of the 108 story tall Stratosphere tower in Vegas. For reference the Sky Tower in Auckland is only about 58 or so stories tall. Also, while I was there I also hopped on the "Big Shot" which was one of those things where they shoot you up, drop you down, and then repeat the experience... very fast (not to be done on a full stomach)...

Everything is Vegas is designed to take money out of the pockets of poor slobs like me. I am sure that everyone could find at least something to do there even if they don't like gambling due to all the shows and the like that are there. You could probably have a good time just people watching for a couple of day :-) I think that I will definitely be going next year if possible to see a little more...

On a cultural/tourist note we did flag an afternoon session (and ultimately the entire day) of Defcon and go out to the Hoover dam. It's damn big (these "dam" puns were flying left right and centre and I was definitely the worst). On a slightly less cultural note I'm sure we went through at least 5 dozen beers on the way there and back.. between about 5 of us... that night was a bit of a loss from memory...

We missed out on going to the "Blue Man Group" at the Luxor (the cool pyramid shaped casino), which kind of sucked. Point of note - be organised when going to Vegas for shows. Second point of note - bring lots of cash.

Well, no more stories of nights out at the fleshpots of Vegas, must get around to documenting some of my other travel... The photos below were taken by one of my workmates Patrick, so thanks to him for remembering to bring a camera in the first place....

From Caesar's Palace...