I feel choked in any big city, claustrophobic. I hate flashing lights and loud noise.
For me, its wide skies, sea and country, trees, natural sound and if I get some solitude along the way, then it's a bonus.
But the people make a place, don't they? And I bet the memories of Chad and the ticket seller stay in your mind forever.
Thank you for the trip through Vegas and PS: how brave were you to cadge a ride those years ago, with someone you barely knew! But what a journey it was!
Thanks prue for your thoughts! LV is so not for me too, but I'm glad to have visited again, just to satisfy my own curiosity. It really was a surprise to meet people who resonated with me. The big skies and earth shapes of Utah and other southwestern States are much more my happy place too, although I'm not sure I could ever give up being near the sea. ❤️ As for my early 20s jaunt-It probably was not the smartest thing to have done, but I'm so grateful that it turned out well and it is still one of my treasured experiences.
Well, you sold me. I've never wanted to go Los Vegas but we've recently been toying with the idea of using it as a base to visit the national parks in Utah. There would be lots of outdoor activity, including hiking, and for those family members not so interested in that part, they could come for the LV, baby part. Still have to think about this idea but if you can find worth and goodness in it, I can too.
I loved the part about the woman who's first paycheck was signed by Cesar Chavez. That's one of those very human discoveries one can make in a place like Los Vegas that bring it down to earth and make it more meaningful.
You described the pull of the scenery and nature on your beings with the first trip through LV so well. That's exactly how it is. Thanks for reminding me of that and the glorious West.
If you are looking for a base to be near the parks, I suggest staying somewhere closer, like Cedar City which has a university/college, a Shakespeare Festival, good restaurants and other 'entertainment'. Having said that we LOVED seeing Cirque du Soleil and had some good food in Vegas too....:).
Reading how you and Peter did Vegas makes me think that maybe I do want to go there sometime after all, maybe on a road trip to the Grand Canyon which might balance out the shock with awe. As for LV, I've not been since the early '90s and I was only went there to see my first husband's family, which been transferred there from Danville for his dad's job (Dept. of Energy, nowhere near the strip). We were traveling with young children, so it was definitely not a "Vegas, baby" experience. But now I'm thinking I'd like to go sometime, even if it's just to run into Chad, especially if he looks a little like Brad Pitt. What struck me most about this story is how much richer travel is when you end up talking to a stranger and they become a character in a story you can share, or like the woman, someone with whom you make an emotional connection. Also, I know exactly that feeling of leaving the East Coast or Midwest and realizing you're back in the West which means you're home.
Thanks Lisa! I'm not sure I ever need to go there again, but I was delighted to meet people whose stories resonated with me. I SO prefer the wildness of Utah and the open spaces everywhere else in our beloved Southwest.
Vegas. I've literally spent hours in Sin City. An overnight and several hours in the airport. It is one of those places I have no interest in going to. I can however be bribed if dining at some renowned chef's eatery....and they prepare the meal for me.
While I don't live in a touristy town, being on the periphery of Yellowstone NP is close enough for me. It is frustrating when Bozeman is inundated with out-of-staters and I should be so lucky to not live in one of the entrance communities. I do feel fortunate to live so close to a huge natural wonder but it is sad to see the abuse and disrespect the Park experiences. It has become out of control lately and there is little the NPS can to do curtail such illegal activities as walking on/in and breaking off pieces of the thermal features, harassing the wildlife and as well as risking life by walking right up to a 2000 lb bison for a selfie or getting far to close to a mama grizzly with cubs. I'm all for jacking up the entrance fee and restricting the volume of visitors. Yellowstone is being loved to death. Regarding my town, it was a quiet mid-sized (for Montana) college cow town until it was "discovered". Now techies can work remotely from here and get in touch with nature, sometimes resulting in search and rescue being called in. I love when winter comes and the whining begins as temperatures dip into the single digits and plunge below zero. It helps to thin the herd. But unfortunately many in town have a place here for the summer and go back to fairer climes during the winter. Sorry about my rant. I miss the Bozeman moved to in 1982. I'm here for the long haul.
Sabrina, thank you so much for taking me with me on your travels - this was such an enjoyable read!
I've never been to Las Vegas, and nor would I want to - I'd be utterly panic-stricken and would need peeling off the walls. I need quiet and comfort, space and uncrowded calm.
LOVED reading about it, though! 🙌 Hurrah for adventures!
Oh Sabrina. I suspect Las Vegas is so not for me.
I feel choked in any big city, claustrophobic. I hate flashing lights and loud noise.
For me, its wide skies, sea and country, trees, natural sound and if I get some solitude along the way, then it's a bonus.
But the people make a place, don't they? And I bet the memories of Chad and the ticket seller stay in your mind forever.
Thank you for the trip through Vegas and PS: how brave were you to cadge a ride those years ago, with someone you barely knew! But what a journey it was!
Thanks prue for your thoughts! LV is so not for me too, but I'm glad to have visited again, just to satisfy my own curiosity. It really was a surprise to meet people who resonated with me. The big skies and earth shapes of Utah and other southwestern States are much more my happy place too, although I'm not sure I could ever give up being near the sea. ❤️ As for my early 20s jaunt-It probably was not the smartest thing to have done, but I'm so grateful that it turned out well and it is still one of my treasured experiences.
Well, you sold me. I've never wanted to go Los Vegas but we've recently been toying with the idea of using it as a base to visit the national parks in Utah. There would be lots of outdoor activity, including hiking, and for those family members not so interested in that part, they could come for the LV, baby part. Still have to think about this idea but if you can find worth and goodness in it, I can too.
I loved the part about the woman who's first paycheck was signed by Cesar Chavez. That's one of those very human discoveries one can make in a place like Los Vegas that bring it down to earth and make it more meaningful.
You described the pull of the scenery and nature on your beings with the first trip through LV so well. That's exactly how it is. Thanks for reminding me of that and the glorious West.
Can't wait for next week.
If you are looking for a base to be near the parks, I suggest staying somewhere closer, like Cedar City which has a university/college, a Shakespeare Festival, good restaurants and other 'entertainment'. Having said that we LOVED seeing Cirque du Soleil and had some good food in Vegas too....:).
Thank you for those suggestions. I'll check out Cedar City. Never been on the list before but it just might now...
Reading how you and Peter did Vegas makes me think that maybe I do want to go there sometime after all, maybe on a road trip to the Grand Canyon which might balance out the shock with awe. As for LV, I've not been since the early '90s and I was only went there to see my first husband's family, which been transferred there from Danville for his dad's job (Dept. of Energy, nowhere near the strip). We were traveling with young children, so it was definitely not a "Vegas, baby" experience. But now I'm thinking I'd like to go sometime, even if it's just to run into Chad, especially if he looks a little like Brad Pitt. What struck me most about this story is how much richer travel is when you end up talking to a stranger and they become a character in a story you can share, or like the woman, someone with whom you make an emotional connection. Also, I know exactly that feeling of leaving the East Coast or Midwest and realizing you're back in the West which means you're home.
Thanks Lisa! I'm not sure I ever need to go there again, but I was delighted to meet people whose stories resonated with me. I SO prefer the wildness of Utah and the open spaces everywhere else in our beloved Southwest.
Vegas. I've literally spent hours in Sin City. An overnight and several hours in the airport. It is one of those places I have no interest in going to. I can however be bribed if dining at some renowned chef's eatery....and they prepare the meal for me.
While I don't live in a touristy town, being on the periphery of Yellowstone NP is close enough for me. It is frustrating when Bozeman is inundated with out-of-staters and I should be so lucky to not live in one of the entrance communities. I do feel fortunate to live so close to a huge natural wonder but it is sad to see the abuse and disrespect the Park experiences. It has become out of control lately and there is little the NPS can to do curtail such illegal activities as walking on/in and breaking off pieces of the thermal features, harassing the wildlife and as well as risking life by walking right up to a 2000 lb bison for a selfie or getting far to close to a mama grizzly with cubs. I'm all for jacking up the entrance fee and restricting the volume of visitors. Yellowstone is being loved to death. Regarding my town, it was a quiet mid-sized (for Montana) college cow town until it was "discovered". Now techies can work remotely from here and get in touch with nature, sometimes resulting in search and rescue being called in. I love when winter comes and the whining begins as temperatures dip into the single digits and plunge below zero. It helps to thin the herd. But unfortunately many in town have a place here for the summer and go back to fairer climes during the winter. Sorry about my rant. I miss the Bozeman moved to in 1982. I'm here for the long haul.
Sabrina, thank you so much for taking me with me on your travels - this was such an enjoyable read!
I've never been to Las Vegas, and nor would I want to - I'd be utterly panic-stricken and would need peeling off the walls. I need quiet and comfort, space and uncrowded calm.
LOVED reading about it, though! 🙌 Hurrah for adventures!
I luv Las Vegas, baby! Lived there for 3 years. Cheers.