Today, I'm reposting a very popular Blix. It was written in the summer, when the town was sizzling. Literally. But my perspective and observations remain the same..
Las Vegas. Sin City. I'm just back from a short trip there, and once again, I pause to consider this "adult playground" plopped in the middle of the desert. For this Blix, I will set aside any ecological concerns (Lake Mead is dropping an astounding two feet a year, due to the overexpansion of the area) and just focus on the phenomenon of Las Vegas itself.
I find it magical; the lights alone are seductive. There's a feeling of decadence that you want to immerse yourself in. No clocks. The endless sound of "Cocktails?" in the casino is like the call of the Sirens. And always, the possibility of winning.
No matter how you feel about gambling, you have to admit that the gaming industry is pretty clever to entice ordinary folks to fly to an unbearably hot part of the country--the temperatures last week ranged between 107-112 degrees--by offering themed casinos. I'm certain there are people who really, really believe they've been to the top of the Eiffel Tower or taken an actual gondola ride in Venice. Can't you just hear it: "Ethel, why would anyone go to Europe--where they don't even speak English--when everything is right here?"
Entertainment is another draw. Take your pick: singers, magicians, impersonators, bawdy reviews. Six Cirque du Soleil shows, from biographical to sexual. Musicals, neatly compressed into 90 minutes, so two performances can be offered each evening. Get 'em in, get 'em out. A quick look at Vegas.com tells me there are at least a hundred shows. The price range is wide, but the heavy-hitters will take the equivalent of a mortgage payment: a ticket to Cirque du Soleil's "O" is $173. The wacky Blue Man Group will cost you $150. Are you a Jerry Seinfeld fan? For $97.50, you can sit up in the second mezzanine; if you actually want to see him, you'll need $180 each. Since most visitors travel in pairs, and prices don't include tips for the drinks involved, we're talking a lot of hard-earned cash.
Then there's the food. Like Elvis, the days of the $1 shrimp cocktail are gone, and not coming back. Given the impact of the current economy on discretionary spending, I did admire the "All Day, Seven Buffet" Pass for $34.99 (if you're a Harrah's card holder, easy enough to obtain...otherwise, it's $39.99 for the rest of us) Many people see Las Vegas as one continuous buffet, so this bargain will be popular, I'm sure. Foodies will turn up their noses at the idea, and head to the upscale restaurants bearing the names of famous chefs. Any chef worth his/her salt has a restaurant. And an entree will cost much more than that all-day buffet pass. Still, people make reservations months in advance to sit at Joel Robuchon's, a Michelin 3-star winner. Bring all those slot winnings--it costs $385 for the signature 16-course tasting menu.
You may read this and think that I'm being critical of Las Vegas. Au contraire! There is nothing like it, anywhere. It's intoxicating. For a long weekend. I'm always puzzled by people who pride themselves on never having been there. It's a tribute to American ingenuity, and deserves at least a quick visit. You don't have to drop much money to have a good time--the people watching is priceless. Every clothing choice possible is being modeled, at any given moment. I swear that some people were cleaning their garage and suddenly whisked to The Strip. And if you've ever wondered where all the fanny packs went when they fell out of style, your question will be answered. Same with the bridesmaid dresses that someone actually believed could be worn again. It's a fashion carnival.
Then there's the other end of the spectrum. Even though I heartily endorse Las Vegas vacations, I don't understand the need to go several times a year. I know people who go...Every. Single. Year. And never anywhere else. It's fun, but not that much fun. These folks will testify that they go for the food--usually the buffets--and the sunshine. They will also say they love feeling like they're in Central Park as they stroll New York New York. They will continue to follow their pattern forever, and eagerly await the next big hotel and casino. (With lots of water fountains and artificial canals, ponds, rivers...) That's all fine, really, heaven knows Las Vegas needs lots of business right now.
If you haven't been to Las Vegas in awhile, you might want to give it a go. If you have been, don't give it up forever, but consider branching out. It's a wonderful world...and you might be surprised by how big the real Eiffel Tower is! Or how delicious real Italian gelato can taste. Not to mention the size of the real city of New York.
Just saying.
Recent Comments