Ticket 2 Ride

Another edition of Monday Morning Quarterback.

My wife and I just returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas. A visit to this city was not on my bucket list, but I’ve always been intrigued by Las Vegas history and mystique. My wife converted some credit card points into a free round trip flight and free (mostly) hotel stay. She planned our trip and continues to put up with me. She’s a princess.

In preparation for the trip, I watched a number of YouTube videos on smart traveling, and things to avoid during your time in LV. Those videos did more to fill my head with concern, than anticipation. Of course, if you operate like Charlie Sheen (I’m reading his book), your risk of rip-off, having my arm broken because of a gambling debt, coming back with a disease, or returning without various internal organs, is magnified greatly. Thankfully, I’m a mild mannered, senior, who enjoys a good night’s sleep as opposed to chasing the best jackpot.

As the plane arrived, the view of the city is amazing, not just the large, sometimes odd-shaped buildings, but a city that is constantly reimagining itself. Even from the air, I could tell that this city was different from even my limited expectations.

A lot of my comments are going to sound negative or critical, but I don’t mean to degrade the city, only that it’s a city that is very different from my own travel needs. Las Vegas is an expensive place to visit. Even if you get a few things comped, or use travel points, be prepared to use that plastic card a lot. Do your research and plan your visit. Getting around is the biggest challenge. You can taxi or ride share anywhere, which is what most folks do. Traffic is heavy, particularly on the Strip. Connected walkways and bridges are great, but the crowds are large, and there’s plenty of construction along the Strip. There is a monorail and some limited distance trams. We didn’t take the time to figure them out. My bad.

From the moment we stepped off the elevator, the music and noise is loud. Everywhere. The hotel we stayed at, Mandalay Bay, is huge and it’s easy to get lost. Walking through a couple of other hotels it was the same. These are beautiful complexes with outstanding art work, ornate displays, and an elegant finishes. It felt like staying in a museum. Look, but if you touch, you buy. That’s true for many things in LV.

Las Vegas is about emerging in a new reality, each hotel/casino has taken great effort to create their own reality, to replace yours. While you have a window and clock in your room, the casinos, restaurants, spas and other areas have none. Time does not exist. Relax. Experience the food, drink, shows, gaming, massages, salons, whatever the resort offers. You are here, your life is there. Enjoy.

I half expected Frank, Dino, Elvis, Liberace, Wayne, Ella, Aretha, Keely, Buddy, Marlene, Bing, or even the ghosts of Howard, Bugsy or Wilbur walking down the strip. Wayne is the only one of that crowd left and still going strong. When we were there, Paul McCartney, Eagles, Donny Osmond, Rod Stewart, Mötley Crüe, Lionel Richie and Air Supply were performing. In addition, there are illusionists, dancers, music of many genres, comedians

Las Vegas is a unique place, it’s no longer just a gambling mecca, gambling is allowed all over the place as states realize the revenue stream. Same with cannabis. It’s legal to purchase from a state-licensed store. Whatever your whim or delicacy, one can find it here. It used to be the spot for getting married or divorced, but from what I observed, it’s popular for birthdays, anniversaries, meet-ups with old friends, graduations, golf outings, business conferences, and whatever celebrations and special occasions there are. The exhibits and landmarks make great backdrops for professional and amateur photoshoots. Everywhere you turn, you are in someone’s photo.

The history of Las Vegas is fascinating, maybe the most the most interesting evolution of any American city. Take some time to read up on the city before visiting. You will appreciate what you see even more if you do.

One of the most interesting places to visit is the Neon Museum, which displays many hotel, casino and business signs of Las Vegas’ past. For a few extra bucks, the museum can be visited at night when many of the iconic signs are aglow. Much of the past is gone, but this little museum has managed to gather an impressive display of not just LV, but of American travel past. Color TV, air conditioning, swimming pools were attractive features for travelers crossing the country. Now the needed amenities are stocked minibars, room service, cabana rentals, poolside massages, salon appointments, limo availability and delivery of cannabis products.

It’s interesting, LV is supposed to be experiencing a decline of tourism, down since COVID. Between traffic on the Strip, crowds everywhere, and the busy airport – I have a hard time seeing that. I’ve also read that the cost of hotel rooms, dining and shows is up significantly during that same timeframe. Frankly, I struggle to understand how the average couple, let alone families, can afford LV adventures. There no bargain buffets like when my mother would visit LV with her sisters. Our big splurge was seeing The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere.

Would I return to Las Vegas again? Probably not. Once satisfied my curiosity. It was a great weekend adventure, but my bucket list has plenty of other destinations.