The Other(Less) Sinful Things to Do in Las Vegas

From my last article, the name Las Vegas seems to make one scream 'Casinos and Night Entertainment' and that was probably all one could think about when in this city.
The thing is, Las Vegas is not all about the casinos; the need to get rich fast or the wedding Drive-In, where people can just wed in minutes in that drive-through style or even the party-all-night and or just knock yourself out with the booze.
It is just the hype that Vegas is so commonly associated with the commercialization and the branding that one might not see beyond the other things that this city probably has to offer.

Now I am not an expert to be exact to explore into the details of the attractions of Vegas, and just purely based on my personal experiences while I was there in person in this so-called Sin City.
Undeniably, the publicity surrounding the city is all about the fun and letting your hair down while here is pulling the crowds in, especially over the weekends like magnets.
It's just electrifying to see how the locals and tourists alike throng the city, eager to get a piece of it while they are here.

Obviously from my article on Vegas, it is not hard to tell that I am not that party-hard nor am I a casino frequent visitor (definitely not a gambler, or an advocate of fast cash); not that I am bashing casinos but I am not quite sure I am voting for them either.
Anyway, so what's a non-casino or party goer to do when in this city which seems to practically breathes these in the air?

Plenty, I found that there are still things one could do, outside the gambling, the luck sampling, the booze and all that partying.
So, I have come up with my own list of other sinful things to do, probably less sinful (but still a little on that edge of being a sinner in its own ways)

My List of Other Sinful (Or Less Sinful) Things to Do besides the Casinos

1. Indulge, in the good food and choose from the varieties of food outlets (Yeah, Gluttony is a Sin too, in case you didn't know)
    If you are into good buffets and really want to splurge, go for the famous Bacchanal Buffet
    (Caesars Palace)
    This is one memorable buffet and one that could make one feels like in heaven.
    Oh, be ready to queue and wait for your turn in line.
    (While I never like to queue for my food, I'm ready to give this an exception).





2. Go Shopping (Sin: Greed, Lust, Envy, Pride) - (Did you even know shopping could stir up all these inner sins or that it belongs to this many category of sins?
Neither did I, until I did this list!)

 From International luxury designer brands to great steals (at the Premium Outlets), there is just something to look forward to and just lose your head in.
Oh yes, even if you are not buying anything, get your heads spinning with all that window shopping, lust after the coveted items on the brand new arrivals in the display windows.
Take away one more item from Vegas, buy something? You really don't mind another bag or a dress?
Yes, breathe in all that greed, lust after that overpriced designer good, envy those who walk out with a shopping bag and be proud if you have one yourself! (or perhaps bathe in that pride, even imagining you had purchased something from Vegas, baby!)




3. Enjoy chilling out in your hotel, or just book into a good one and take in the lights from your room's window (after you are done walking down the streets in the city)
It calls for a little Sloth in action, well, what else is new?
If you are in Vegas, you're definitely not here to stress yourself out, right?
(Unless you're on a business trip or here to make a fortune, but either way, you're supposed to be chilling out after all that, or meditating all that positivity in before heading to the jackpot?)
And by the way, what on earth are you doing here on a business trip? Just kidding!

4. Walk through the Casinos  (Resist that Greed!)
    No temptation at all, if you are Not into gambling at all, like me.
    Still, a good exercise to test that will power, and to watch all the cool actions taking place.
    (Watch the excitement, the anxiety, the laughter and the "I'm gonna be rich tonight" expressions    plastered all over the hovering tenants)



5. See that Pole Dancing in Action
   I am in awe of these amazing dancers who are just confident in their moves.
   Before you scream feminism comments or think this is about discriminating the weaker sex, it's really not. I trust in the women rights as well, and I have to say, pole dancing ought to be viewed with an open mind. It is a highly challenging dance, and it is simply not easy to wrap oneself around that pole with such grace and agility.
What makes it sexy is the beautiful moves, and the confidence in these dancers, and not the conventional way of viewing it.



6. 'Travel around the world' - enjoy the replicas of the cities all assembled here in Vegas!
    Snap photos, this place is just Instagram worthy to brag that "I'm here!"
 Now I am in Rome and Vegas, at the same time! How cool's that?


7. Enjoy the Free Shows which take place along the streets
   Not all the shows in Vegas are charged, you'll be surprised at the amazing shows they put on to capture the crowd's attention on the streets.

 

8. Take in all the Nightlife excitement and the neon lights



Do whatever you want, just let Vegas lead you to her alluring side.
(You don't have to do illegal stuffs to have fun, and I am sure we are all sane enough to know the boundaries).

Let your hair loose, and just chill, relax...after all, this IS Vegas! :-)


Disclaimer: 
This is purely based on my personal experiences and views, and may differ according to different individuals' preferences.
I am not responsible for the difference or lack of fun if you dislike this list, just saying.

Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and the Seals

The fishermen neighborhood complete with the fleet of fishing boats docked by the bay, their well-polished hulls glistening in the sun, and windy sea breeze blowing against the flapping tiny flags amidst the bustling urban modernization of a well-established commercial center and marina aptly describes the famous Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco.

Dating back to its early history from the days of the Gold Rush in San Francisco which drew a crowd of migrating Italian fishermen to the coast eager to earn from the flowing opportunities, Fisherman's Wharf has seen generations of bidding fishermen until this very day. The early boats in sign were emblematic of the Italian's common fishing boats; known as feluccas, seen bobbing up and down along the bay as the early ancestors of these fishermen scour the coast for their catch. The lateen-rigged sailboats, or the feluccas represent the identity of the fishermen, or as they were modeled in the same build and design known to the fishermen as in their very homeland.
The fishing boats were not the only thing these fishermen brought, as they serenaded the bay with their songs; one that was beautifully and hauntingly melodious, as their common language of communication which can even be heard over the thick shrouds of fog.

Most of the fishermen settled down in the area close to the wharf and the fishing industry continues until this very day, by the great grandchildren known to be the descendants of the early fisher folks , in this very area, forming the heart of the Fisherman's Wharf with their unmistakable sights of fishing fleet and turning the place into one of the dearest attractions in San Francisco among the locals and tourists.



Pier 39 is the most well-known pier located at the edge of Fisherman's Wharf; bringing to life the commercialization of a shopping establishment forming the pulse of this very marina itself along with the seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, video arcade, aquarium all being part of the list of attractions.
The popular tourist attraction was the brainchild of entrepreneur Warren Simmons and was officially open to the public in the year 1978.







Pier 39 overlooks the tourists spots of Angel Island, Alcatraz Island (where the once notoriously famous prison was located), Bay Bridge and even the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which can be spotted on a clear day at this very marina.



Take a stroll down the wooden plank boards of Pier 39 among the tourists and locals and take in the lively environment set up by the local vendors running the shops here, while enjoying the cool and windy sea breeze blowing from the bay.
It can be quite a relaxing experience, and I can definitely see the appeal of this place and the reasons for its popularity. Friendly locals, interesting displays and merchandise, chilly sea breeze and scenic views from around the area are all just the few to name capturing one's attention while here on Pier 39.









Pier 39 is not just any ordinary pier filled with only the commercial aspects as it is also the home to the California Sea Lions which were originally spotted along the San Francisco Bay.
The seals have since found their new homes near Pier 39; hauling their body masses on the docks since the year 1989. While the reasons for their migration remains unclear, it was believed that the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake could be one of the starting points for the seals to move to their new homes; sheltered and being within a bay which provided more security to the families of seals.




The masses of sea lions resting on the docks quickly garnered public attention and the sight of these mammals became one of the tourist attraction as well.
Viewing docks are set up for one to take in the natural image of these live seals plopped on the wooden docks and it can be quite a daunting sight to watch the masses, or at least it was for me.





The marina is indeed full of its charms and life, as seen in the living pictures of the snapshots which are just capturing the tip of the essence of the offerings of Pier 39.
I am easily captivated by the simple view of a marina, with that picturesque scene of boats resting peacefully by the docks, and the occasional floating/bobbing motion which explains my personal fixation on this place.







As the sign says, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 is definitely the pride and part of the soul of San Francisco's identity and definitely truly significant of the city itself.

What else says better about this City by the Bay than a visit to capture that view of life by the bay itself?

Universal Studios Hollywood - Where Movie Entertainment Lives

Known as "The Entertainment Capital of LA", the Universal Studios Hollywood is no longer a stranger to anyone in the world. While many are accustomed to the existence of Universal Studios sprouting in various locations around the world, this particular one in Los Angeles remains one of the most prominent, not to mention on the list of one of the most visited tourist attractions around the world.



The famous movie studio and filming location site is one of the oldest to exist and is still in use till this very day. It is not hard to imagine why, as the name Hollywood is synonymous with movies, celebrities, fame and glamour as fed to most of us around the world in the trendy showbiz which have been in existence for so long, as far as any of us can remember.

Today, the mention of Hollywood still brings to our mind the glamorous moments of the celebrities walking down the red carpet and posing for the photographs while clicks and flashes go off in a frenzy while we watch from our televisions at home. The visuals can do wonders in the mind; and hence, the image of glittering moments are embedded as our mind works remarkably at associating the images with the term, and automatically, Hollywood; it is the place where movies and social excitement reside, at its highest point of brilliance and right in the spotlight.

It is for this exact reason that the people behind Universal Studios came up with the idea of a grand entrance with the iconic red carpet leading to the main gate for visitors to enjoy that momentary thrill of being a movie star; to strut on that well-acclaimed walk of fame just like the celebrated idols most have dreamt so much about. It is almost customary to pose for a photo when you are here, simply because you're living a dream; even if it just for a few seconds, or make it minutes.



I have not been to the other Universal Studios around the world; no, not even the one closest to home, the recent site being in Singapore, mainly because I have always wanted to visit this particular site first. After all, it is termed 'The Entertainment Capital' and also 'The Coolest Place in LA'; both the much publicized advertising tag lines for Universal Studios Hollywood.

Located in Universal City in the Los Angeles country of California State, United States of America, the Universal Studios Hollywood is also the First movie studio recreational theme park around the world. While the site was understandably a filming site; with studio and filming sets set up across its land, Universal Studios Hollywood was originally intended as an introduction to the movie filming, sound stages set up and access to the actual filming sets through its customized tour packages to offer visitors a glimpse of movie making and production, since the year 1964.




This gradually revolved and grew into a recreational theme park over the years, following the reception of the public and also the blooming minds of the creative folks running the place.
Thanks to their creativity that we can now enjoy and be thrilled with the wonderful insights we get from directly accessing the filming sets and locations available on this very site, while also be entertained with the rides and moments with the appearances of some of our favorite animation characters here.

The memorable and animated Woody Woodpecker; which was created since the 1940s, is an iconic and much-loved character with whom most of us are familiar with the sounds of his pecking(adorably so), is also interestingly named the mascot of the Universal Studios Hollywood.

With the mascot, Woody Woodpecker and his recognizably, significant other, Winnie (in case you're not aware, yes, Woody's taken!)



Like most theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is a land filled with much enjoyable and entertaining attractions to look out for. From spotting costumed characters of familiar animation and movie icons to the thrilling movie-themed rides and museums, there is just something to fit everyone's preference and to keep one happy while on the park.

One of the most recommended would be the Studio Tour; which is probably the emblematic ride for an insightful experience into the world of movie making right here in Hollywood.
Visitors would embark on an approximately hour's tram ride which takes them around the backstage lots and filming locations; while witnessing some of the special effects taking place and the 3D motion pictures unraveling in some of the locations. Enjoy the ride, and be prepared to laugh to the animated tour's guide narration while on the tram and also, be ready to be thrilled with the exciting events unraveled on this tour.











Movie-themed rides are also the crowd drawing attractions here; and some of the more memorable ones(may differ according to personal preferences) based on the highly-acclaimed movies are as follows:-
(located on the Lower Lot)

Transformers: The Ride

Revenge of the Mummy


Jurassic Park: The Ride


The above rides impose the height and age restrictions due to the level of excitement which may be deemed unsuitable for young toddlers and children.
(Also, some of the rides such as Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park also restricts bags to be carried on the rides and there are locker facilities provided in a designated area for visitors to store their belongings for free (within an allocated time) or for a minimal fee).

However, Universal Studios Hollywood is not all about the adults as back on the upper lot of the theme park, there are various animation-themed parks which are bound to fascinate the younger ones.



The Simpson Ride

Shrek 4D



There are also dry and water theme parks created for the enjoyment of the young children.

Another attraction not to miss out is the Special Effects Stage, which is an enlightening session on the revelation of the secrets and tricks involved in the making of the blockbuster movies.
Do be there early, as the studio is packed to the brim with the eager crowds, and who wouldn't want to know what really happens behind those fantastic images we often wonder about on the screens?

Enjoy exploring the Universal Studios Hollywood on foot, to take in the various scenes unfolding at the different themed-location sites.

Be prepared to recognize/bump into familiar and lovable costumed characters on the streets, and when you do, just smile at the camera and take a picture!

There is simply something for everyone in Universal Studios Hollywood, and the best is that one can enjoy an entertaining yet exhilarating experience in a place where the spotlight shines on and one have long imagined from the screens and have harbored hopes of living that lifestyle.




Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood is not just an ordinary theme park; it is a lifestyle and it is where Movie Entertainment and fame lives~



For more information on Universal Studios Hollywood, kindly refer to their official website here.