More Reflections about Vegas

I used to have a mental block about going to Las Vegas. Part of it had to do with the fact that I don't gamble. I don't understand the fascination with putting your hard earned $ at risk even if there is a chance to win more. While we were there last weekend, we watched some people playing roulette. It did look like fun, but it's so intimidating. I don't understand the strategy behind gambling. I'm just a big chicken and I think it would cost too much money to learn as I go.

Otherwise, there is an unseemly element to "Sin City." As we were walking down "the Strip," I began to notice some people handing out what I thought were business cards and advertisements. Oh yes - they were ads - for "GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! DIRECT TO YOUR ROOM IN 20 MINUTES" Wow. The business cards are actually cards with phone numbers and almost nude photos of young women. The people handing them out are fairly aggressive about handing them to passing people - a lot of these naked pictures end up lying in the street. Nice. There are also mobile billboards on wheels that are driven up and down the Strip with big photos of scantily clad women on them. And ads for burlesque shows with photos of the G string wearing showgirls on them. Geez.

The second night we were there, we noticed young women dancing on tables or platforms inside the casinos but visible from the sidewalk. I'm not a prude, but I felt badly for those young women having guys ogle them all night. I felt like a protective mom wanting to throw a sweater over their shoulders.

Another reason that we didn't spend a lot of time in the casinos is how smoky they are. People are allowed to smoke while they play the slots or craps or roulette or black jack. All day and all night long because casinos NEVER close.It's a good thing I had my eye drops.

However,  having said all that, I had a lot of fun this weekend. I really enjoyed walking through the different casinos and appreciated the thematic elements of each one - the Grand Canal that flows through the Palazzo and the Venetian; the Eiffel Tower at the Paris; the New York skyline at New York New York; all the statues at Caesar's Palace. I was totally captivated by the Dancing Waters of the Bellagio Hotel. Shopping opportunities are pretty varied and wonderful. And the shows! Did I mention that I saw a Broadway show and 3 concerts in 4 days?! Where else you could do that?!

Is it any wonder that I am considering having my 50th birthday celebration there in April 2012?!