Here are my thoughts on Vegas now that I am home for more than 24 hours and I have gotten some sleep:
-I like the two extremes of Vegas 1) the extremely tacky: Elvis Impersonators, themed wedding chappels,worlds largest gift shop etc. and 2) the elegant (as elegant as you can get in vegas): The Forum Shops, the Dale Chihuly glass blown flowers in the lobby at the Bellagio,the casinos that have piano players instead of piped in rock music. I don't like anything in between the two extremes. If something is tacky because it hasn't been updated since 1970 (like the hotel we stayed in ,or because the owners were trying to force a theme then I am not into it.
-Since visiting Vegas I am rethinking taking my kids to Chuck E. Cheese's - do we really need to start our kids gambling at such a young age? If you think about it, there is little difference between a casino and the dark, loud, shiny atmosphere of a Chuck E. Cheese type place.
-This stuff is AWESOME (the video does not do his work justice):
Spray Paint Artist On Freemont St. in Las Vegas, NV
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This isn't a video of the exact person we saw spray painting (I think the guy we saw's name is Tony Vegas), but I highly recommend finding one of these artists if you go to Vegas and watching their skill.
-Kosher food in Vegas is GOOOOOD (new restaurant: Village Steak House was awesome. Duck Ravioli. Yum.)
-I am sorry we missed the Frontier's Implosion: my personal bet is that the next hotel to be imploded will be the one we stayed at.
-The Bellagio fountains were better than I expected.
-Even though we came out ahead in the gambling game (we were up ~170 dollars I believe), it was obvious that it is all luck and that as easy as it comes (Greg's first blackjack sitting) it can go (Greg's second blackjack sitting).
-I now know the basics of roulette (not hard, I know) and still don't get craps even though I observed a craps lesson being given.
-I think slot machines are stupid.
-Remember my last post about me not being a feminist? I have to say, I think Vegas brought out some of my feminist instincts a bit. I can't believe how objectified women are there. It is really really sad.
-I also can't believe how many people bring their kids to Vegas. Observation of all the kids I saw: they all had glazed eyes- whether this was from the smoky atmosphere, the extreme exhaustion of their parents keeping them up late, or the overstimulation- needless to say, it was very discomforting as a parent to see that.
-Horror of horrors: Pregnant waitresses in smoke filled casinos. Just Horrible.
Overall, I had a good time in Vegas. It was definitely an experience worth having. Am I one of those peole who will gush about my love for the city? No way, but it was an interesting place to visit that I woudn't mind returning to (and staying at the Bellagio next time).
Posted by peninah at November 12, 2007 04:16 PM | TrackBackGood comments. Shira and I vacationed in Vegas a few years ago. We did not have the same experience as you did with the food so I think it must have gotten much better (as you said that restaurant is new). Also, one thing you didn't comment on which amazed was the amount of handouts and the posters about content that I wouldn't want my kids to be near. Shira and I both agreed that we'd never bring our kids there.
Posted by: David G. at November 14, 2007 10:26 AMDavid- I systematically tried to ignore those handouts/posters and I think I forgot about them on purpose. Although, Ezra has been learning about sodom in chumash and I have to say the similarities were not lost on me.
Posted by: peninah at November 14, 2007 10:40 AMWhat you should have been thinking was:
A. I miss Diana
B. Where can I get her a (g-rated)floaty pen
C. Diana must be so excited to be reunited with her floaty pen collection, even though she can't remember who all of them are from
Diana- I can't believe I didn't tell you this yet. I looked for floaty pens in every store we went into (sorry I didn't go into the worlds largest gift shop) and I promise you, I didn't see any. I really would have gotten one for you.
Posted by: Peninah at November 14, 2007 11:19 AMUh, I was supposed to quit smoking?
Posted by: AlanLaz at November 14, 2007 02:05 PMno mention of those of us who made your trip possible without kids?? Just kiddin' they were great...and happy you had a great time!!
Posted by: the babysitter at November 15, 2007 06:26 AM