I stayed in downtown Las Vegas for the third time.  It is perhaps not as exciting as being on The Strip, but I think I prefer the quieter and less crowded parties.  This trip I got a room again with a view of The Strip, though it was partially obscured by nearer buildings.

After dark, the Fremont Street Experience occurs each hour on the hour.  I have always enjoyed these overhead light shows.  The projection is being upgraded this year, and so the images are much clearer (even though it doesn't really show in my photograph).

This trip I tried my hand at Seven Card Stud.  It is a fun game, but I don't think it is for me.  I am too easily bluffed out of a good hand, and I am no good at bluffing myself.  This is the first trip I have ever left with less money than when I started.

Part of the NetWorld+Interop Convention was an after hours party at the Harley Davidson Cafe on The Strip.  They had a live band there, and the back drop is an American flag painted on chains hanging from the roof.  One of the employees said that the chain flag weighs two tons!

After the party, I walked along The Strip for a bit, something I hadn't done for awhile.  It was interesting to see the other tourists and to watch their expressions as they saw new things.

When I was very young and my family came to Las Vegas to visit my aunt and uncle (who still live there), my favorite sight was the neon cowboy in downtown Las Vegas.  His arms used to move, his right one moving up and down to point to the casino at his feet (no longer there), and his left one moving out and in toward his head.  A loud speaker also would say, "Howdy Pardner".  The voice was removed years ago, and then the movement was stopped when he was enclosed under the cover of the Fremont Street Experience.