Leaving Las Vegas

[Ben Franz]

Just got home last night from a four day trip to the neon capital of the world. My wife's family is spread from California to New York (and one sister in Taiwan) so they decided to meet in LV for Xmas and a family reunion. Now I'm as big on family as the next guy but I detest LV, Reno, etc. since spending six weeks there doing a construction project in 1992. Sometimes marriage requires that you suck it up and go along with a smile on your face - small price to pay IMO.

That job in '92 was my last visit and I couldn't believe the growth and crowds there now. Everyplace is jammed - traffic at a standstill near the strip - lines and more lines at restaurants and buffets. I rarely drink and never gamble so that's probably why I'm not a big fan. Then, after a few buffet meals we had to get new heavy duty shocks installed on the car for the drive home.:eek:

One cool thing was seeing the new bridge being built at Hoover dam. I'd seen a program on Discovery channel about this project but the up close view as we crossed the dam was awesome. Sorry that the camera was packed away so no pix.

I don't mean to offend anyone who enjoys LV or people who live there and like the city and surrounding area away from the chaos. To each their own. Happy (almost) NY to everyone.

[Rich Stewart]

I also don't care for gambling and crowds, although I have been known to drink a beer or two, but when I was in Vegas we had a great day going to the Red Rocks just outside of the city. Some really nice hiking there. Hoover Dam was an interesting trip, too.

[Chris S Anderson]

One cool thing was seeing the new bridge being built at Hoover dam. I'd seen a program on Discovery channel about this project but the up close view as we crossed the dam was awesome. Sorry that the camera was packed away so no pix.



I have some really nice picks I took 2 years ago of the supports. One is hanging in my living room next to some other arts pics I took from college. I'll post one. It really is pretty awesome.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7849/hoover.jpg

[Mitchell Andrus]

A look at Legas through the years on Google Earth tells the story. When I was last out there (1979) the Airport was miles from the city. Now it's in the middle of it. - No, they didn't move the airport.
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[Matt Meiser]

One of my mom's friends moved there in the mid 90's because her husband got sent there for an expansion project at the airport. They been building ever since. When we were out there about 2 years ago, he said that they were about to tear down one of the first jobs he did out there to make way for expansion.

[Eddie Watkins]

I was out there a few years ago for a job. I was told lots of people and businesses were leaving California because of the high taxes and relocating in LV. There was construction going on everywhere. I was surprised there was that much growth since the Colorado River no longer reaches the ocean and that entire area including Phoenix depends on the Colorado for their water. I guess when you sit next to Lake Mead you get all the water you want.

[Brian Elfert]

I thought Las Vegas was hurting for visitors with the recession? It sounds like they are pretty darn busy if everything is jam packed.

[Matt Meiser]

Mom's friend said things are picking back up when she was here a few weeks ago.

[Gene Howe]

A look at Legas through the years on Google Earth tells the story. When I was last out there (1979) the Airport was miles from the city. Now it's in the middle of it. - No, they didn't move the airport.
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Reminds me of the story of the two little old ladies touring the Alamo. When the guide asked if there were any questions, one asked "well, why did they build it right in the middle of town?":D

[Pat Germain]

Las Vegas is just an amazing place whether one focuses on the positive or the negative. I have visited off and on since I was a kid in the 70's. My parents recently retired in a small town just outside Las Vegas. I encouraged them explore The Strip area. They were reluctant at first. Now they very much enjoy driving into the city for shopping, dining and shows.

Timing is everything when visiting the strip. If you try to drive on Las Vegas Blvd at the wrong time, it's a nightmare. However, if you catch it at slower times, it can be a breeze. It also helps to use some of the back streets.

For anyone considering a visit to Las Vegas, I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas". It has very good information on almost everything to do in the area. Armed with that book, a person can have a great time on The Strip or Downtown without ever placing a bet or having a drink. I know because I've done it. :)

Right now I would expect the far end of The Strip to be quite crowded with visitors there to see the new City Center and Aria casino.