Comments on: Viva … well, nothing much really.

By: ChicagoAddick

ChicagoAddick — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:17:35 +0000

My view is that you must be prepared to spend money in Vegas as it is the only word the city knows. It is not a real place and a return ticket comes well recommended as I cannot imagine what a prolonged stay there would do to your wellbeing and sense of realism.

By: geofftech

geofftech — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:42:49 +0000

i’ll say it again : if it’s your intent to go there to drink, gamble and party it up: brilliant! ‘coz that’s what you’ll get. for me though, passing through on a looong journey it was what i didn’t need at that time of the journey! a bizarre place … and yet i WOULD recommend that people go there in their lives if they get a chance just so that they can experience it …

By: Raineth

Raineth — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:38:51 +0000

Am I the only one who truly loves Vegas? Ah, well. It wasn’t anywhere near my “must visit” list, but I ended up going d/t winning the trip– I didn’t know what to expect. It was quite clearly a city of sometimes-bizarre, mulitple façades that included money, women, power and “the good life.” What I found fascinating was the underlying intensity of hope & despair, cleanliness & filth, wealth & poverty, etc. I also loved the architecture, even if it was copied. Hmmm. To me, the city was real enough– although I admit thought of it as a rather sordid counterpart to Disneyland, heh.

Gald to read you are finally resting. Be well!

By: geofftech

geofftech — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:08:56 +0000

@tami – yeah i agree. if you go there intent on spending money, as an escape spot, somewhere surreal to go : fine. but there was me passing through as a random traveller, and it was not orientated towards what i wanted at all. it’s a false place. you can go there and enjoy it if you know what to expect. it was just nothing like i expected…

i’m in Santa Monica now. tired. resting. and still tired. sleeping a lot, and still feeling tired! weird.

By: leslie

leslie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:29:55 +0000

I have really never had the desire to go to Vegas, though to most people I know it seems to be the ultimate ‘exciting vacation’ here.

Next year I plan (with my friend from the UK) to go on a road trip from Austin to San Francisco, because, although I’ve been there, I only just passed through. During that time I expect we’ll spend a day or two in Vegas–because he wants to. Ah, well. I’ll try anything once, but I can’t imagine wanting to spend much more time than that there. I don’t care for gambling at all. The most time I’ve ever spent in a casino was in New Orleans when my friend and I wanted to escape the humidity for a bit and spent an hour playing nickel slots just to get A/C and free drinks!

By: Kris in Hawaii #202

Kris in Hawaii #202 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:59:36 +0000

I was last in Vegas more than 20 years ago and I don’t remember it being as sleazy as you describe. Mind you this was before they tore down The Sahara and Dunes and Sands and some of the other classic vintage places frequented by the Rat Pack. Shame to hear of its decline but it’s never been a mecca of innocence and purity. . I’m sure like many cities of the West, “Sin City” goes through its inevitable cycles of booms and busts and ups and downs. Added to the idea that maybe you’re just so tired of traveling you’re in no mood for Vegas or its enforced happiness idea. Sorry you had kind of a downer at the end of your journey and I hope Santa Monica is a little happier experience. If you drive by South Orange County, wave hi to my mom because she is in Dana Point and is reading and enjoying all your videos and posts. (“Hi Mom!”) Drive safe back to SC.

PS. We think you should market your USA Roadtrip videos to PBS!

By: Tina/mum

Tina/mum — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:57:32 +0000

I am glad to see we brought you up to like the finer things in life, e.g. mountains, lakes, rolling fields, wide open spaces and cute little animals. As you say L.V. was so tacky, not your thing, but you have seen it now, so another box ticked in your ’100 things to do etc’. Regarding London and England, you should remember you are never far from the countryside, even in the middle of a town. There is still plenty to see and enjoy here. Safe journey back home.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:45:29 +0000

Geoff that’s always been my impression of Vegas from movies. It’s a fake town, all the attractions/hotels seem to be a replica of some other tourist attraction in the world (eg pyramids).
I guess as I’m not a gambler there wouldn’t be much point to visiting the place. Glad to hear the thoughts echo’ed.

By: tami

tami — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:33:57 +0000

Sorry, your stay in Vegas wasnt real…. I go and INTEND to lose money. (Which I always do!)

The part where you mentioned It got even worst when you tried to walk down the strip, and found a line of (literally) twenty Mexicans trying to thrust cards into your hands advertising the same thing. I wanted to get a roll of cards, stick them together and shove them down their throats.
I agree 100% but I would shove it further down or up! I hate being approached by not only thembut also the time share, club people, etc. It is surreal and not a real place .. I call it my escape..

By: paul

paul — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:25:24 +0000

Good Blog!! I went to Vegas a year ago and i feel the same way.
Safe trip!!