Viva Las Vegas?

I just watched another TBS marathon of The Big Bang Theory last night- yay! One of the last episodes (after three hours) was when Raj, Leonard, and Howard go to "Vegas, baby!" (The Vegas Renormalization) In addition to the usual entertainment of this show/episode, I had the added bonus of being in Vegas while watching it. Let me just say, the episode is nothing like Vegas in real life, at all.

Okay, let me say more than that...

I really don't like Vegas. Never have. But this trip I began to wonder if perhaps I was being overly prejudiced, perhaps against people having fun.

But seriously, I'm the person who *chose* to read my book (A Storm of Swords, woot!) in my room on Friday night, asleep by 9:30pm, rather than out late drinking or gambling. So maybe it wasn't Vegas' fault, but mine instead...

But NO. It's not me, it's definitely you, Vegas.

As a geek in Vegas, it's like being the only sober person at a party that never ends. Not fun, really. Maybe if I liked to party, that would be one thing. But I don't, at least not like this. 6am people are still out on the streets (having been kicked out the bars finally) but are completely drunk. Like the stumbling around drunks that if you make eye contact with them they will start yelling at you if they aren't wrapped around the nearest trash can. There are also hookers. Lots of hookers. Or at least what seems to be a lot of hookers (sometimes it's hard to tell, as the general female populace on the strip likes to share fashion trends with the hookers). But you can tend to tell when at 6am they are walking back to wherever talking about how they plan on making more money the next night...And those stupid little flier card things that litter the street. So gross.

Ugh. And it really doesn't get better throughout the day. It just gets slightly less smelly, but definitely more crowded.

Another thing I noticed too- there are no book stores! I am so close to finishing Storm of Swords (aaaggghhh! it's freakin' crazy!!!) and was wondering where I could pick up book four. Apparently no where. There are two Barnes and Nobles in all of Las Vegas. And the only bookstore I can find on the strip is a rare book store (which is surprising and cool, but not helpful). GAH. Now what do I do?! I don't really know why I find this so unusual considering the city's well-earned reputation, but still. I find this odd. Don't people read by the pool or something?? Even if they do, I guess what bothers me is that the hotels on the Strip do not care. At all. They only sell alchohol or crazy expensive clothing and tickets to shows. That's it. Okay, and coffee/food (I'll give credit where it's due, but it's still super expensive). This place is so intentional in it's appearance/atmosphere, that I think that's what bothers me the most. As horrible as I find it to be, it's exactly as they want it. The hotel layouts are all winding and confusing, filled with slot machines in the hopes that you'll breakdown and play. Maybe you'll stop for a drink while you are out shopping for something Fendi or Chanel. They want your money so badly.

Alright. So there you have it- all the stuff I particularly dislike. In an effort at fairness, I'll now proceed with the stuff that I do like about Vegas...

The west side of the Strip. Yup, that's quite a generalization, but it's true. Something about that side is just cleaner, newer, better. Ideally, get super far west and go to Red Rock. Now that place is nice! But yeah, stay on that side if you can...especially since that's the side featured on the Ocean's Eleven movie (the far superior remake, not the original).

The best part of Vegas is honestly the fountains at the Bellagio. It's pretty entertaining, set to music, and bonus- doesn't cost a dime. When I first came to Vegas (as a minor) I spent hours watching the show. And now that I'm over 21, I still think it's the best part. And if you can't beat 'em, join 'em-- in that, if everyone else gets to walk around with drinks in hand, so can you! So now I have every intention of getting an overpriced beer and watching the show at least once or twice.

The shopping isn't too bad either if that's your thing. For the geek crowd, I recommend the shop of collectible items and movie memorabilia.

Even if I could never afford it, stuff like this is still awesome to look at.

There is one particular shop at the Rio that was impressive, and I'm sure there are others on the strip that are comparable. I'm even thinking I'll have to check out the rare book store too, and report if it's worthwhile or not...In terms of dining, there really is a big variety, even if most of it is overpriced for what it is. The super-expensive restaurants are kind of amazing though. I've only been to one, but it was fantastic.

Honestly, I haven't been to any shows here. So I have nothing to say about it. I've heard good things about the big shows/artists, but the other smaller shows look kinda...Branson-y. Haha. I guess 'kitschy" is a good word for it. Along with the decor. It's entertaining/interesting, and can look neat. But like the magicians, it's all an illusion.

"And we stole the Statue of Liberty...the small one, from Las Vegas."

Lastly, the slots aren't bad, but pretty obnoxious. The only ones I would recommend are the Ghostbusters machine (I think it too was at the Rio, but I wouldn't swear by it). It can be two player which is unique. But my absolute favorite are the Star Wars ones at the airport (go figure). Honestly, it's super-entertaining, that I
didn't even mind losing my twenty bucks when I played-- that fun.

It could be 4:30am when this photo was taken. You wouldn't be able to tell without a watch.

So, it's not all bad. It's certainly not good, but it's not horrible. I have no doubt in my mind that many people who come to Vegas have a blast. But for the rest of us, be sure to bring a book...or two.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

-BeetHats

P.S.- I can't believe I'm missing a comic convention back home so I can hang out in Las Vegas. Lovely.