[MS1]

I’m no Anthony Bourdain, so I’ll try not to bore the hell out of everyone with this lol. It is just a basic review, so don't be too critical of me if I'm not too detailed!

I just spent a few days out in Las Vegas, primarily for a job interview and a small mini-vacation from work. Honestly, as I reflect back on my time there (and I really behaved myself this time lol), I really appreciated and enjoyed the city more this time then I did the first time that I was here. I think it had more to do with the fact that I am planning on moving out that way for university and for a fresh employment opportunity, so I was really surveying the area more than I had previously done the first time I was there.

DAY ONE: I flew into LAS (forgive me if this is a stupid question, but is that large body of water that I observed the Hoover Dam area?), and I noticed ironically how somewhat beautiful the desert is, especially from overhead, and how the Strip kind of takes you by surprise from the air.

I had stayed at the Best Value Inn off of Tropicana before, so I reserved a room there, and I have to say overall that the staff was accommodating and friendly, and the room was clean and tidy.

As for the heat, I was a little apprehensive about that, but coming from Florida, I was surprised that it wasn't that bad (with plenty of water consumption of course during the day!)

Once I had settled in, I took in a nice long walk along the Strip. I really paid close attention this time (probably because I behaved myself and didn't drink!) to some of the architectural and thematic works of most of the casinos up to the Wynn. I was overwhelmed by how many of them are really detailed and unique in their own way! As for the MGM Mirage Corporation’s new construction project for CityCenter, all I can say is: WOW--what a sight!

Since it was getting late, I grabbed a quick meal at the Venetian's Food Court and walked around the structure for a bit before heading back and retiring for the evening.

DAY TWO: Aside from having to instruct my taxi driver on how to actually find the employment/interview site--off of Pollack Street--I had a decent and courteous interview experience. After that, I lounged by the pool for a little while and then had a good late lunch at Coco's (one of the best pieces of pie I've had in a while!). Following that, I took a more detailed stroll along the Strip area and observed the rich diversity of people that were there in general. The eager population of families and younger individuals in particular reminded me that there is obviously more to Vegas than just gambling, which there obviously is in the form of art, exhibits, music, comedy, theater, you name it.... Oh, and for those of you familiar with the Strip: I'm sure the sound of Strip Club cards being flicked to get your attention is a routine sound for some of you! After another excellent meal at the Venetian and some more browsing, I returned to my hotel for the night.

Obviously, my opinion is my own, and I know that Vegas is not perfect. But, as I flew back over the mysterious desert, I couldn't help but miss the place and hope that I will have the opportunity to return to personally view and experience the positives--and the negatives--in more much detail.

Thanks for reading, and for those of you seasoned residents and visitors, thanks for keeping the discussion alive and defending the virtues of common sense and non-stereotyping.

Cheers!

[Buzz123]

A good, honest post. And we wouldn't have minded if you had found something you didn't like, such as those porn peddlers on the Strip that the ACLU won't let us get rid of. Yes, that large body of water is Lake Mead; 550 miles of shoreline created by Hoover Dam. And, yes the desert is beautiful if you don't look at it with a blind eye as some tend to do. I imagine the three percent humidity was a welcome relief from Florida humidity.
BTW: Who is Anthony Bourdain?

[BUGBULLY]

Great Post! Good Luck with the Job!

[jjameson922]

Anthony Bourdain hosts the Travel Channel. He has some extremely controversial shows, especially the ones where he discusses the unusual eatting finds he comes across. An entire show can be devoted to his food finds such as caterpiller meatloaf, beating snake hearts wrapped in tongue or moose arteries sauteed in buffalo urine.

[dynimagelv]

WOW I can't understand HOW I could ever have missed his show........

[ooffdachan2]

seems like you need to relocate,i certainlly would not live in a city i hate or condem

[MS1]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

A good, honest post. And we wouldn't have minded if you had found something you didn't like, such as those porn peddlers on the Strip that the ACLU won't let us get rid of. Yes, that large body of water is Lake Mead; 550 miles of shoreline created by Hoover Dam. And, yes the desert is beautiful if you don't look at it with a blind eye as some tend to do. I imagine the three percent humidity was a welcome relief from Florida humidity.
BTW: Who is Anthony Bourdain?

Hey Buzz! Thank you for the reply! I really didn't find anything major that I didn't like this time, which I guess is a good thing. Yeah, those porn peddlers are a bit annoying, but at least most of them aren't too pushy. Thanks for the info about Lake Mead--it's pretty impressive from the air, as are the desert and the sand dunes! You know, I was a little bit worried about the temperature, but you are right about the humidity! It was definitely a welcome relief!

Anthony Bourdain is a New York born-and-bred chef, writer, and global travel expert that hosts the show No Reservations on the Travel Channel. He did a show on Las Vegas a year or so ago that was a little bit cynical, but in the end, he enjoyed himself overall.

[MS1]

Originally Posted by jjameson922

Anthony Bourdain hosts the Travel Channel. He has some extremely controversial shows, especially the ones where he discusses the unusual eatting finds he comes across. An entire show can be devoted to his food finds such as caterpiller meatloaf, beating snake hearts wrapped in tongue or moose arteries sauteed in buffalo urine.

That's why I love his show lol. All-in-all, it's a pretty informative show in my opinion, especially seeing how other cultures live and eat.

[MS1]

Originally Posted by BUGBULLY

Great Post! Good Luck with the Job!

Thank you!

[MS1]

Originally Posted by ooffdachan2

seems like you need to relocate,i certainlly would not live in a city i hate or condem

I agree. I certainly don't hate or condemn where I live right now, but Vegas is definitely "special" in it's own way.