Viva Las Vegas!

[J0nny Ling0]

I was talking about Las Vegas on another thread, and so, I thought I'd bring it up again here. My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves there. We met alot of fun people who were just plain happy to be somewhere where they could "play" and not think about all of the things "back home" where life has to be dealt with. We enjoyed "no schedule", the ability to come and go as we pleased, the fun of just "sleeping in", and then going down for a scrumptious buffet breakfast somewhere. We didn't really take in any big shows, but rather, were happy to see the "pirate thing" at Treasure Island, or the fountain deal at the Bellagio. We also talked for a long time with a girl who had a "parrot thing" on the street outside of Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville" where one could get their picture taken with a parrot on their shoulder.

It was a bit bothersome to have these dudes giving us pamphlets with photos of prostitutes on them, soliciting their business though. At one point, I finally said to this one guy who had solicited us numerous times outside of our hotel (The Frontier-we went cheap), I said to him; "La pictura, et es su hermana? Su madre?" Which, in English means, "The picture, it is your sister? Your Mother"? Well that really ticked him off, but, he never approached us again with his pamphlets. But, we did say hi and smile to each other after that, and he seemed to understand that I was in Vegas with my wife, and that I was not there for an illicit time. So that ended up to be a cool thing.

And what we found to be very very nice, is that most people were very friendly and very happy to just talk with each other. We met a number of black couples with whom we talked, and it was just plain fun to be unencumbered with talk about "political issues", racial issues, etc and blah blah. And no doubt, the people with whom we mingled all had opinions about everything, just like people here at the GS, but, it seemed that in Las Vegas, none of that stuff came up, because we had all put those thoughts "on hold". It was just a time to relax and enjoy, and not think about "the world" and all of the "stuff" going on. A true vacation it was for us. One elderly lady, who had been sipping a cocktail and watching my wife and I excitedly playing a slot machine that was being benevolent to us (we were acting like little kids with all of those bells and whistles and small bucks credits), introduced herself, and soon, we were best of friends it seems. She invited us to come and visit her anytime in Massachussetts at her palatial mansion in the Berkshire Hills. She saids that she just enjoyed watching a married couple have so much fun like we were having. And of course, being from Alaska has it's own "celebrity" thing about it, and folks are always interested in folks from Alaska. They have their misconceptions of course, but we were happy to tell them about life Up Here.

Also, it was an amazing thing to me that there was so much alcohol (free alcohol), and that I never saw much of a ruckus in any of the casinos. And, that we could walk down the sidewalk of The Strip, sipping Long Island Iced Teas, ( ) and there was no problem with it with The Authorities at all. Amazing. At one point, my wife and I walked into a liquor store to make a purchase, and we both had a cocktail in our hands. And then a cop came in for some reason, and everyone in there said almost in unison and with big smiles on our faces; "Hi!" And he smiled and said hi back. Ya know, it was just a really nice time, and nice to see that people could just plain "get along" and be happy with each other. It made me proud to be an American too. I am certain that there is an incredibly dark underbelly to the place, but for those of us floating on the surface there, it was one fine time. Anyone else enjoy going to Las Vegas? What do you all like about the place?

[mstar1]

i havent been there in about thirty years and at the time it wasnt my thing. It was glitz and flashing lights, noise and whistles, makeup and alot of very bizarre things to me at the time. I saw too many drunks who had lost the rent money or the kids education fund I guess--but that was along time ago too Maybe it has changed, maybe Ive changed, I was younger and more idealistic at the time... Maybe Id like it now.

Either way glad you liked it, maybe I'll give it another shot som year.... If you ever do come to the Berkshire Hills, which is my home, stop in. People are friendly like that most all the time around here

[Eyesopen]

Personally Jonny dear I hate the place! But I do thank you and anyone else that wants to come to the Silver State and spend their money..saves me paying income tax.

I go to Vegas when I have to...and if someone else pays.

Glad you had fun tho...do come back now ya'here?

[Nottawayfer]

I go there frequently, but not for vacation or gambling or even partying. As a matter of fact, I only go to the strip if I am actually doing something there. We've gone to some concerts at Mandalay Bay. Other than that, I frequent the shopping in Henderson and stay FAR FAR away from the strip. Once I leave Northewest Arizona, I don't see myself ever going to LV. But that's just me.

My idea of a relaxing vacation is an all-inclusive resort (all drinks included) in Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. One day only is spent at the pool bar drinking Coconut rum until I am completely buggered. I snorkel to my heart's content in a week. All of this talk about she-sharks has me scared to go back in to the water though.

Edited August 26, 2007 by Nottawayfer

[J0nny Ling0]

Well, it was a first time thing for us, so, the novelty was there. I can surely see how a local could not want to go there. In fact, we talked with a number of folks who worked in the casinos, and the only reason they were there was for their jobs. Most of them lived out side of town, for that matter. Probably couldn't afford to live in town now that I think of it.

And, as far as Mexico is concerned, well, no doubt that's a fine place to go. That's next on our list this winter. I love snorkeling also. But, Las Vegas was really fun for us, and we will no doubt go back again. This time, we'll take in some shows too. I'd love to see some big act at the House Of Blues where we ate one day...

Edited August 27, 2007 by Jonny Lingo

[Rocky]

I gotta agree with Eyesopen and Notawayfer. I've been there and found it to be devoid of any kind of soul.

Besides, if I want to give my money to a casino, there's one just a mile down the road from me on the Indian reservation (whose land I also live on).

In the 1980s, as a single guy, I went to Vegas a couple of times. I enjoyed the strip clubs (not the clubs located on The Strip). But the novelty in that wears off pretty quickly.

[dmiller]

And, as far as Mexico is concerned, well, no doubt that's a fine place to go. That's next on our list this winter. I love snorkeling also. But, Las Vegas was really fun for us, and we will no doubt go back again. This time, we'll take in some shows too. I'd love to see some big act at the House Of Blues where we ate one day...

Mexico??? I have a good friend who has a resort there.

He's a guitar and dobro picker who used to own a resort up here in Minney-soda,

and then moved south to Mexico where he and his brother owned property.

I don't remember exactly where his (current) resort is, but ----

I do know that all the cabins are right on the ocean.

I can e-mail him, and get details, if you wish. :)

[Out There]

We went this past springtime and had a BLAST!! We spent everyday at Red Rocks climbing to our hearts content and then every night we walked the strip. I now have the distinction of having gambled in every casino - didn't miss a one, on the strip. I came away $8.25 ahead. Of course the most I gambled in any one casino was $.50

We had a really lot of fun. sleep in, Eat, Climb, Eat, gamble nickels and people watch.

[J0nny Ling0]

Yeah, OT, the people watching was lots of fun. Really enjoyed that. I guess for me and my wife, it was a special treat, seein's as how we have been up here in the boonies for so long. And so, have you ever heard of the Devil's Thumb? It's a short hop from here.

http://www.kupreanof.com/devils_thumb_flying_tours.html

You ought to come up here and climb it some time. People have been in big trouble there though, and if I am not mistaken, folks have died climbing it. I have seen it from the water when passing by, and it is an awesome sight...

Edited August 27, 2007 by Jonny Lingo

[nandon]

i love las vegas. I gamble, do drugs, and have sex with women.

but i don't drink.

[dmiller]

You ought to come up here and climb it some time. People have been in big trouble there though, and if I am not mistaken, folks have died climbing it. I have seen it from the water when passing by, and it is an awesome sight...

Woooooo!! I guess so!

Edited August 27, 2007 by dmiller

[Mister P-Mosh]

I got married in Las Vegas.

The thing is, my wife's family are Catholics from Mexico and would have wanted a Catholic wedding. My family is a mix of religions, but most importantly my parents are in TWI and I was already out, so I wanted somewhere that would not be TWI or Catholic, plus would not be where any family lived to make it seem like we didn't prefer one side over the other. Additionally, since everyone would have to travel, we wanted a place where there would be stuff to do before and after the wedding-related things.

It turned out to be a great decision. A lot of people think of cheesy weddings with Elvis and all that, but the reality is that in Las Vegas you can get any kind of wedding, just be prepared to pay for it.

The place is really one big ripoff, but they've combined so many things to take your money together that it sort of counteracted itself. If you're not weak-willed, you can easily go without spending too much money, and still have a great time. We gambled very little, and came back with a bucket of $25 in quarters (we lived in an apartment with washing machines you have to pay to use, so I didn't cash them in.) I'd like to go back some time, although there are many other places we need to go first.

[polar bear]

DM-I want to know where your friends place is in Mexico.

I go ther every winter to Playa, it's a great place.This year I'm also goin' to see Jerry Jeff Walker at a music camp in Belise Jan. 20-27.