Today is the longest day of the year, midsummer day. In some parts of Sweden the sun actually never sets today = 24 hour sun light 8I Swedes will celebrate this by dancing around a midsummer pole decorated with fresh flowers. They will also eat herring, fresh potatoes, drink shots, and “sing”. It’s a very happy celebration and if ever in Sweden during late june make sure you don’t miss out!
Happy midsummer!
Although Vegas is located in the middle of the desert there are a lot of things to do and see around it. So pack a snack and go for a daytrip! One of many things to see around Vegas is Death Valley. The valley of death is located in the Mojave desert. It’s actually the lowest point of the North American continent beeing 86m below sea level. Death Valley is extremely hot. When we were about to drive through DV we were recommended to turn off the AC on our car so it wouldn’t get overheated. Downed a gallon of water and did a lot of sweating;) The highest temperature ever recorded in DV is 134F, just below the world record of 136F.
No rush hour in Death Valley
If you turn your car around and go in the other direction, east that is, you’ll end up in Hoover Dam. Hoover Dam is located right on the border between Nevada and Arizona. I really don’t get why people are so facscinated with a dam, but I have to admit standing there one gets carried away in arcitecture.
If you continue even further east you’ll end up in Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon is a national park and is on the UNESCOs world heritage list. I defenately recommend spending a night there if you decide to go and if you do you should hike the canyon. However, make sure you go early and bring lots of water, it gets hot! If you don’t have time or feel like taking the car there are plenty of companies that offer helicopter tours from Vegas to Grand Canyon. Most of them also pass by Hoover Dam on the way.
Speaking of canyons, Red Rock Canyon is also worth a visit. Red rock is a lot closer to Vegas, beeing only a short drive west of the strip. When weather is good which it usually is in Vegas you can actually see RRC from the Strip. There are many things to do in RRC like hiking, biking, climbing or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
For the hardcore grinders even leaving the hotel is considered an adventure. If you feel that this is correct for you I suggest that you at least make time to make a trip to downtown, old Las Vegas. And don’t forget to take a stroll down the Strip at night. I can guarantee you’ll have new experiences and see/meet lots of interesting people.
Walk the Strip at night and you might run into Superman
Please let me know if I missed your favourite spot, and stay tuned for part 4 
As everybody knows, you can gamble in Vegas. But there is more fun stuff to do there, especially if you are there for the first time.
For example, if you like rides, you’re gonna love Vegas
The first place most people think of when you mention rides in Vegas is the Stratosphere tower. And rightfully so. The tower which is located in the north end of the strip is 350m high and can be seen from everywhere in the city. At the top of the tower there are a couple of rides, for example a roller coaster and a big shot. The combination of the awesome view over the desert and the hight of the tower itself makes the ride so much better than other big shots. Since last year there is also a free fall where you basically make a bungy jump from the top of the tower without bouncing back up. Takes a lot of guts, trust, and no fear of hights to make that leap. Or simply that you have no respect for life and a death wish…
Of course Stratosphere is not the only hotel to offer rides in Vegas. NewYorkNewYork has a famous rollercoaster. You reach 67 mph and pass a loop on your way to safety.
Even one of the oldest hotels in Vegas, Circus Circus, has an Adventure Dome with a number of rides. Of course in the middle of the hotel.
Of course there are more alternatives for “thrill seekers”. Why not try indoor skydiving? Of course I already tried the real thing, but trying something new is always fun
If you have more time on your hands and are real adrenaline junkies I suggest that you rent a car and take the 4,5 hour drive west to Six Flags Magic Mountain. It’s gonna be worth the ride. Faster and more adrenalinen pumpin’ rides are hard to find! Don’t miss Goliath, Colossus and Tatsu!
And you thought you only could get kicks at the poker table? *Pfft*
A common swedish excuse for not going to Vegas in the summer for main event is usually “summer is so short in Sweden one should stay and take advantage rather than playing poker in a desert”. What summer is that? Here it’s raining alot and right now Vegas feels pretty damn good…
Since it’s almost time to start paddling over the pond to arrive in time for this years main event, I thought I could share some of my tips of what to do in Vegas when you’re not in the mood for sin.
See a show! I’m sorry Brodway, but Vegas got some of the best shows in the world. Acrobats, magicians, illusiounists, musicians and singers can all be found in the theaters of the hotels. The most famous of all shows in Vegas is possibly Cirque de Soleil, an acrobatic show which also tends to evoke some emotion. There are no less than 7 Cirque de Soleil shows in Vegas right now. I’ve only seen 2 of them so far, but hopefully I’ll manage to see a third this summer
Among the magicians David Copperfield, Penn & Teller and Criss Angel might be the most well known. I’m behind here as well and have only seen Criss Angel so far and he did not impress. But on the other hand, if you’ve seen Stefan Odelberg there it’s hard to be impressed by anybody else.
There is also no shortage of concerts in Vegas. Celine Dion has long been the main attraction, but this summer Rihanna (2nd july) and New kids on the Block (3rd july) will give her a run for her money. If you’re lucky your favourite artist is in Vegas over the summer. Check out all the concerts here.
If you prefer comedy shows you wont be dissapointed. Blue Man Group and Carrot Top are Vegas legends and will probably always be there. If you are lucky you might be able to catch a show with Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. I’ve actually managed to see both. This summer Carlos Mencia and Bill Cosby will be there in July. I haven’t seen Bill Cosby since my sisters graduation party so maybe it’s about time I saw him again.
Of course there are many more shows in Vegas and if I’ve missed your favourite don’t hold out on me
