Perspective is so much, or should I say paralax? How much is internal when you are viewing the world, and how much is the truth? As you all know, I'm not a relativist by any means, but, I do realize that all things take on a different look, feel and taste when viewed from a different angle.
This week I made my first trip to Las Vegas in 21 years. I was not a fan of the Vegas I went to 21 years ago, finding it dirty and hostile and, well, Elvis Presley - cheezy. Well, this time I went on business (SEMA convention), and stayed at one of the nicer hotels on the strip. How much had Vegas changed, compared to how much had I? Which one had changed more? Was Vegas more appeasing to everyone or was I in a better place to enjoy it?
Needless to say at this point, I did thoroughly enjoy my time there. I found much of it to be far less glitzy, more about the quality of things instead of the quantity, and, in cases, even elegant. I did a bit of gambling, with the expected results, and stayed up way past my bed-time. I would say that both angles were working. Not only is Vegas more grown up, but I'm in a much better position to enjoy some of its best attributes (great hotels, restaraunts, bars) without having to dive in to the underbelly and wait for my cocktail waitress to bring me another PBR....
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2 comments:
I have to respectfully disagree about the change in Vegas. It now caters to, what one taxi driver so appropriately described as, "The McDonald's Crowd". Even in my generation, I remember as a youngster going to Vegas, and getting dressed up in a suit to see a show; putting on some nice slacks and a dress shirt to go down to the casino floor. Now, its shorts and flip-flops all around. The glamour, the respect, the excitement has been replaced with, all you can eat buffets for $5.99, pool parties, and child drop off areas.
Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoy Vegas, but its just not the same as it used to be. To that end, what is...?
Philip M.
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you on many levels. I saw that side of Vegas as well, but chose instead to participate a bit in the Vegas you remember. Maybe the real lesson here is that, you get from it what you put into it. Next time you go, put on those slacks, and encourage those with you to do the same. Ignore the folks in flips and get yourself some tickets to a nice show at a high class joint. It could be a perception changer.
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