Vegas Trip
Las Vegas has a stylish aura of grandeur and a wonderfully happy-go-lucky atmosphere. If you have ever been to Vegas, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Walk along the famous Strip and you’ll be amazed by the incredible variety of uniquely designed, fashionable hotels and casinos, each one competing for your attention.
Fun in Last Vegas
Las Vegas is a city of glamour, excitement and endless possibilities — a place where dreams can feel just a little closer. If you have never been, it is certainly a destination worth putting on your travel list.
One of the things that makes Las Vegas particularly appealing is the huge range of accommodation available. Hotel rates can sometimes be surprisingly reasonable, especially when compared with other major tourist destinations, and many resorts use attractive room rates to encourage visitors to enjoy their casinos, restaurants and entertainment.
Late breakfasts and brunches are also part of the Vegas experience. The city is famous for its buffet-style restaurants, offering an enormous selection of food to suit almost every taste — from exotic fruits and fresh seafood to prime steaks, international dishes and indulgent desserts.
One restaurant that I particularly remember is the Paradise Garden Buffet at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino. At the time of my visit, it offered an impressive variety of food in a much more relaxed setting than some of the darker, smoke-filled casino environments.
The Flamingo itself has a wonderfully distinctive atmosphere. Its tropical-style gardens, ponds and famous pink flamingos provide a surprisingly peaceful contrast to the bright lights and constant energy of the Strip. The gardens are also home to beautiful koi fish, making it a pleasant place to escape the noise of the casino floor for a while.
But Las Vegas is much more than casinos.
If you enjoy exploring, the surrounding Nevada desert offers some spectacular experiences. One of the most memorable excursions is a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. Seeing the enormous canyon from above gives you an entirely different perspective on its incredible scale, geology and natural beauty.
The Grand Canyon was formed over millions of years by geological processes and erosion. Its immense layers of red and orange rock create one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United States. It is difficult to appreciate its true size until you see it for yourself.
Another place I visited was Red Rock Canyon, where I rode a rented Harley-Davidson motorcycle back in 2010. It was an unforgettable experience.
Located just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a spectacular natural area famous for its dramatic red sandstone formations, mountains and desert scenery. The rocks tell a fascinating geological story, with layers formed and transformed over hundreds of millions of years.
The contrast between Las Vegas and its surrounding landscape is what makes the destination so interesting. Within a short distance, you can go from the bright lights, luxury hotels and entertainment of the Strip to vast desert landscapes, dramatic mountains and some of America's most impressive natural scenery.
Las Vegas really is the ultimate playground. It is colourful, vibrant and full of energy, offering something for almost every type of traveller — from entertainment and fine dining to nightlife, shopping, adventure and unforgettable road trips.
If you have never been, put Las Vegas on your list. And if you have been before, you probably already understand why so many people keep going back.
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
Vocabulary
Read the explanations below. Try to understand the meaning of each word without translating it into Portuguese.
grandeur A feeling or appearance of great beauty, importance, size, or magnificence.
beckoning Attracting or inviting someone to come closer or take notice, often in an appealing way.
subsidized Partly paid for or financially supported by another person, company, or organization, allowing something to be offered at a lower price.
indulgent Something that gives you great pleasure, especially something enjoyable but perhaps richer, more luxurious, or less healthy than usual.
peaceful Quiet, calm, and free from noise, stress, or disturbance.
excursion A short journey or trip, usually taken for pleasure or to visit a particular place.
spectacular Extremely impressive, beautiful, or exciting to see.
dramatic Very striking or impressive, often because of a strong contrast, unusual appearance, or great size.
scenery The natural features of a particular area, such as mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, or deserts, especially when viewed as a whole.
unforgettable So special, unusual, or impressive that you are unlikely to forget it.
Vocabulary Exercise
Complete each answer using ONE word from the vocabulary.
Be careful: you may need to change the form of the word to make the sentence grammatically correct.
1. What makes the natural landscape around Las Vegas so impressive?
The __________ around Red Rock Canyon includes enormous mountains, desert landscapes, and spectacular rock formations.
2. Why can some Las Vegas hotel rooms be relatively inexpensive?
Some rooms are __________ by the casinos, which means that the casino helps cover part of the cost.
3. How does the author describe his motorcycle trip to Red Rock Canyon?
He describes the experience as completely __________.
4. What does the author mean when he says that the hotels and casinos are “beckoning” visitors?
He means that they are __________ people to come inside and enjoy what they have to offer.
5. Why might the gardens at the Flamingo be a pleasant place to spend time?
They offer a __________ environment away from the noise and activity of the casino floor.
6. How would you describe the red rock formations at Red Rock Canyon?
They create a __________ landscape that is very different from the bright lights of Las Vegas.
7. What type of food might you find at a Las Vegas buffet?
You could find rich and __________ desserts, along with seafood, steaks, fruit, and many other dishes.
8. What can tourists take to see the Grand Canyon from above?
They can take a helicopter __________ over the Grand Canyon.
9. What word best describes the enormous scale and impressive appearance of Las Vegas?
The city has an atmosphere of __________, with its huge hotels, casinos, lights, and entertainment.
10. How would you describe a view that is extraordinarily beautiful and impressive?
You could describe it as __________.
Answer Key
scenery
subsidized
unforgettable
beckoning
peaceful
dramatic
indulgent
excursion
grandeur
spectacular
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