Las Vegas isn’t our usual cup of tea, but Death Valley basically dumps you right into the city, so we said ‘why not’ and made reservations at the MGM Grand right on the strip for one night. We even up graded to a suite with a view! Oh my, what a study in contrast after being in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Death Valley.
We joined the crowds and walked the strip for hours. We saw The Bellagio fountain show, botanical garden display and beautiful glass ceiling, the Flamingo where it all started, and of course the old Vegas sign as you drive up the strip.
We also saw young girls in feathers and super heroes in costume all looking to make a penny in exchange for a picture. There were families on vacation, and couples strolling hand in hand speaking a variety of languages. There were bachelorette parties, and brides and grooms; some getting married for the first time and others renewing their vows Elvis style.
But, there were also crowds of people sitting at automated slot machines that reminded us of video games, blackjack tables, and roulette wheels gambling away their savings (the house isn’t in your favor), and homeless strangers looking for a dime. There was pot and alcohol, and everything else, for sale on every sidewalk, corner and store.
We gawked and took pictures. We were sensory overloaded by the lights and constant loud music. For a one night visit, it was all light and fun for us, a big ass party, but looking around one could easily see the depressing gross overindulgence the lights and music hide, perhaps an escape from reality some were seeking.
We enjoyed ourselves, but definitely felt out of our natural element and probably looked like country bumpkins (maybe not since someone actually asked if we were from Vegas). We we’re glad we came, everything, well almost everything, should be experienced once.
Back to our simple back country camping life!
