Yes it has been cold here lately. Highs in the 6-10C 44-50F range, lows 0-5C 32-41F.

Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire are pretty easy to find. From your hotel go west on Tropicana to the 15 South, then the 215 East to the 95 South. Just before you get to Boulder City the 95 will split off, stay on the 93 and follow the signs to Hoover Dam. You can drive across the dam and park on the Arizona side for free. When you come back you can either stay on the 95 until it meets the 15 freeway near downtown Las Vegas and take that to the turn off for the Valley of Fire. Or you can take the road that goes along Lake Mead and take that to the Valley of Fire. These would be highways 166 and 167.

Most rental cars have a GPS option for a few $$ more. I'd recommend this option.

I think enough of Mac Kings comedy can be understood if your friend has a decent grasp of the English Language. There are clips of his acts on Youtube.com Have your friend check them out.

Mac King's humor is partially spoken and partially visual. It's difficult to know how suitable it will be for your friend without knowing your friend's grasp of English. The one thing in your favor is that his tickets are very cheap (especially with the coupons they hand out around Harrah's) so if your friend doesn't get parts of it then it's not such a huge deal. You are aware that it's an afternoon show? I'm a big fan of Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo but again, you'll miss out on some of his (cheesy) humor if you can't speak great English.

For directions check out this site:

www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp…

It's difficult to go wrong around Vegas. Things are pretty straightforward. If you can grasp the basics of map reading you'll be fine.

I would guess that coming from the height of an Australian summer, Vegas will feel positively arctic to you!

http://www.weather.com/

Select zip code 89109 for LV.

Check a forecast again as you're about to pack and take clothes that can be worn in layers as it can feel warm indoors.

Have a great time in Vegas. David Copperfield will be playing during the CES or Lance Burton--both of those are bigger production shows which may be better for your friend if English is a problem. May I also suggest Love while you are there. The late tickets are 25% off currently and it is a fabulous show especially if you are Beatles fans.