Just how does one celebrate a half century on the planet? For yours truly it was my first-ever trip to Las Vegas.
I have lived within 600 miles of Sin City my entire life. I never felt the pressing need to go there even though the opportunity has presented itself a few times. I have always been an outdoors/camping/hiking/riding/beach/mountain kind of guy. Neon lights and concrete have their places, just usually not on my vacations.
When some friends offered me a surprise road trip to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my 18th birthday, I could hardly turn them down. Vegas it was.
The biggest surprise? I enjoyed myself incredibly. We did the tourist stuff, including shows, buffets, and walking the strip. Adult beverages were consumed. A very small amount of gambling took place, and good times were had by all.
The reason I enjoyed myself so much though, is that it reinforced all the changes I have gone through and made me appreciate where I am headed that much more. The sheer excess of Las Vegas was remarkable. Over-the-top does not begin to describe it. However, because I like to go out and actually get to know a city, I had the chance to observe the side streets and alleys, the underbelly that not everyone sees. The abandoned buildings, the unfinished construction, the businesses gone under. People literally living in cardboard boxes, as you will find in any major city. But Vegas is like an aging celebrity who keeps packing on makeup and looking for attention however it can. Yes, 
there is money and revelry, but at what cost?
Fans of Las Vegas will tell me that old casinos are torn down and brand new ones built in their place. They will say that the city keeps its face fresh and exciting. I will never argue that point. I witnessed some wonderful things that amazed and delighted me. However, just like anything truly great in life, it could use a bit of moderation. A magnificent meal can be ruined by two bites too many.
I had the chance to have a wonderful escape in a world-famous city. I had an incredible time letting loose for a couple of days. But the best thing was realizing that one of my favorite expressions still holds true: less is more.
Ahh, sweet simplicity. There is nothing like it.
I never had the slightest desire to go to Vegas – I first saw it when I stayed there for a work project in a nearby area. My mind was boggled – I had a blast! I’ve stayed in Vegas a few times since for work, and have always made time to wander around & take in the sights. Might as well have a good time while I’m there. Last time I visited was to attend a class that spent a day at the Red Rock National Conservation area just west of town. Red Rocks is visually spectacular & quite a contrast to Vegas. I was dying to get into the interior & do some exploring – we were told that it provides great hiking, biking, climbing. Now I want to take some vaca time – spend the days at Red Rock, and the nights having fun on the strip (no getting up early for work). Experience the extremes.
We saw deteriorating, abandoned remains of a couple of partially constructed, ultra-huge mega resort complexes at the west edge of town – another over-the-top only in Vegas sight. I doubt they will ever be built. I don’t think Vegas is going to see the extreme growth of the 90’s & 00’s any time soon. It’s kind of easy to imagine a future of abandoned ruins ringing the strip once they run out of water & cheap energy.
Lian,
I was actually shocked at what a good time I had. I did have the opportunity for a quick journey into the desert and enjoyed every moment of it – Red Rocks is on my things to do list for next time.
Well happy birthday to you! Nothing like celebrating with friends and fun
So glad you had a good time and yeah, Vegas is waaayyyyy over the top! Last time I was there was for work so I didn’t get to enjoy the sites but it’s on the list for the future. Not the glitz and glamour because that’s so not me but the other stuff. The side streets and underbelly as you say along with the desert and surrounding areas.
Yes less definitely is more for me too. But sometimes I like to visit the world where more isn’t enough. Makes me appreciate what I “don’t” have for one thing but also reminds me of the abundance that truly is all around us.