I’m sure I’ll find things to like.
I’ll try really hard.
But I just don’t see myself as a Las Vegas enthusiast.
Cities are wonderful, vibrant things and I’m very much a city kid. Colorful bright lights at night (and fountains!) are appealing. The desert and heat? Meh, I live in Texas. Heat is no biggie. And can I cram in a trip out to see the nearby Hoover Dam?
It’s the whole fakery thing that bothers me.
Random Eiffel Towers built in Nevada; not a concept I can grasp. Invitations to get bombed and act stupid and get laid. Um, I DID college already, thanks.
Putting gilt edges and big-name chefs around tacky doesn’t change its nature. Lipstick on a pig, and all that.
The good news is that I know I’ll find photo ops galore after watching Pam Mandel (she’s also not a Vegas fan) create her photographic magic in the Neon Boneyard; you can also make yourself busy doing the traveler’s lemon —> lemonade dance.
I’m going to Las Vegas because my business partner and I are presenting the Tourism Track at BlogWorld and New Media Expo. The expected audience is people who work in tourism and hospitality who want to learn more about social media and connect with some of the 4000+ bloggers who will descend on BlogWorld for the conference.
Teaching tourism folks about telling their stories through social media – and connecting them with bloggers who might be interested in their destinations – is my mission these days. I’d do it anywhere, in the most godforsaken place you can think of (as long as there’s WiFi.)
I know, I know….I’ll shut up and go figure out how to enjoy a city that’s not my style.
Hey, got any tips on cheap meals or interesting boutiques?
(If you like this post, please consider subscribing to the blog via RSS feed or by email – the email signup box is at the top of the right sidebar near the Search box. Thanks!)
You are so right! I mean Las Vegas is good but I prefer exploring a forest or taking photos of natural wonders.
I feel the same way about Vegas, but I trust your sense of humor, Sheila. you’ll find things to enjoy I am sure. the conference track you are presenting looks interesting.
I’ve met three well-off foreigners in the past month who have been to the U.S. and raved about Las Vegas and what a blast they had there. I think the fact that it’s so over-the-top and electric (literally and figuratively) is what really makes an impression on people. You have to admit, fakery or not, there’s no place like it in the world. Despite how silly it is, I’ve smiled a lot and had fun every time I was there.
Hi Marina, Kerry and Tim,
Thanks for your thoughts, and I am keeping an open mind. Hey, if Tim smiles and has fun there, there’s hope for all of us. 🙂
I’m not a fan of cities anymore – unless it’s for a quick visit. I lived in NYC for 30 years and feel I did my time. Now I’m content to live in suburbia. When I visit cities I find them too noisy, congested and dirty. However, I also find them a very enjoyable short term experience.
Let’s take Vegas, for example. Every time I visit Las Vegas I’m in the company of very special people. Whether it’s with friends, family or for a conference. Mr. Ng and I took a gondola ride while being serenaded by an opera singer. We rented a convertible for our honeymoon and drove from Las Vegas to some of our countries beautiful canyons. Plus, Las Vegas has some amazing restaurants and places to visit.
So fakery and noise aside, I enjoy Las Vegas because it harbors some of my most treasured memories – good times with family and friends. That will always trump the superficial stuff.
Vegas is a lot like Niagara Falls, lots of tacky mixed with some great. For us, the shows are what count; we’re huge Cirque du Soleil fans, Blue Man, Penn & Teller. But they’re not cheap. We also like big-name chef (Mario’s B&B; yum!) restaurants; again, not cheap. The Wynn has a small art gallery. Mandalay Bay has an aquarium. Mirage is home to tigers and other wildlife in a min zoo. And you can always visit the Ferrari/Maserati dealership/museum. When we were there, the Luxor also had a nice Titanic exhibit.
Hi Deb,
Oh, I know I’ll have a good time because I know many of the people coming to BlogWorld, and they’re great, so you’re right about the good times with family and friends. I promise a follow-up post!
Hi Kay,
Thanks very much for the added ideas, and I may have a lead on a way to get out to Hoover Dam for a short visit, so I’m psyched about that.