The Travelling Celts

Dancing Fountains

by Michael Cameron

Las Vegas (Spanish for "The Meadows"), officially the City of Las Vegas and often known simply as Vegas, is the 28th-most populated city in the United States, the most populated city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area and is the largest city within the greater Mojave Desert. An internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife.

Las Vegas was settled in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1911. At the close of the 20th century, it was the most populated American city founded within that century (a similar distinction was earned by Chicago in the 19th century). Population growth has accelerated since the 1960s, and between 1990 and 2000 the population nearly doubled, increasing by 85.2%. Rapid growth has continued into the 21st century.

By and large we confined ourselves to the strip, but being our second visit, we only explored hotels we hadn't been to before. The Bellagio remains my favourite and I could sit and watch the dancing fountains for hours. Curiously this would prompt a visit to the town of Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como, years later.

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