So to stay alive, I decided to go to Vegas for a couple of days. It took me four and a half hours and a tank of gas to drive there from L.A. Not too bad. My iTunes kept me company and my 19997 Chrysler Sebring is always up for the task.
If you've never been to Vegas, you MUST go at least once in your lifetime. It is a crazy unique city and I'm not sure when all the insanity will end. I was thinking that the city would literally dry up after using all its water supply but somehow they keep on finding the necessary H2O. I've heard that they recycle all the shower and toilet water but my guess is that they are stealing all they need from Arizona. Las Vegas doesn't strike me as exactly "green."
If you're planning a trip, four days in Vegas is probably enough. That's enough time to loose all your money, stuff yourself on cheap buffet food and see a glorified circus act. I don't recommend staying for 12 years like I did. I think I am permanently damaged. Of course, I can't blame it all on Vegas but I'm sure it played a big part.
As always, I was armed with my camera and snapped a few pics. I didn't have time to retouch them so you will see them in all their original glory. Sometimes I think I am a little too fond of photoshop.
Here is a very sad picture of The Huntridge where I attended many great concerts. It is now closed and run down, probably awaiting demolition.
I think they stopped having concerts there after the roof collapsed.
It was a great piece of art deco architecture.
I made my way out to Red Rock Canyon, one of my favorite places to go near Vegas.
As you can see, it is quite easy to get away from the slot machines, $2 margaritas and the cheap hookers. Red Rock is only ten minutes outside of Vegas and it has awesome scenery.
The day I was there was particularly beautiful.
There was snow on the ground!
Okay, enough of the desert scenery. You just have to be there to enjoy it. The pictures can only take you so far.
My other favorite place in Vegas is the Conservatory at the Bellagio hotel. It should have been bigger but it is still a great place to experience the different seasons. As you might have guessed, it was all dressed up for Christmas.
The polar bears were out in full force.
And since Vegas loves to build bigger and better, there is a new BIG kid on the block.
CITY CENTER.
It cost 3 trillion dollars to build. (This is just a rough estimate.) I think it also went bankrupt but they kept building anyway. In this city, it is important to do everything in a big way, even failing.
And whenever a new property opens, there has to be a new Cirque de Soleil show to go along with it. In this case, the new show is called Viva Elvis and I think it's about the Beatles.
But I could be wrong about that. I tend to get my facts confused.
Go see it. I'm sure it will be awesome.
And I love the fountains at the Bellagio. They are free to watch and pretty darn spectacular.
I had dinner at Caesar's palace near the big Trevi fountains. I look like a total tourist with my big cheesy smile.
I lived here for twelve years. I'm a local damnit! I know all about Keno and paycheck giveaways! I've eaten a deep fried twinkie and lived to tell the tale!
I drove back to L.A. late Thursday night. I arrived exhausted around midnight.
Work was a little painful today due to lack of sleep but it was all worth it.
Thanks to all my friends who turned my mini vacation into such a great time!
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