Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Paradox

I HATE LAS VEGAS
I hate the bombardment of slot machines as soon as I place a foot off the plane.
The sidewalks along the strip, paved with discarded pamphlets advertising things I can't, let alone want to, even imagine.
I hate the endless all-you-can-eat buffets.
The encouragement of gluttony at every level imaginable.
I hate the pretense of culture, masking over the conniving smoky innards of the casinos with a facade of classic Van Gogh paintings.
I even hate the landscape--just another slight-of-hand trick--you think you're surrounded by mountains only to find out they are just a bunch of brown dirt, with not a green thing growing on them.
BUT
I love hearing the captain announce "We will now begin our descent into Las Vegas."
I love the blast of hot air welcoming us off the jet-way.
I love driving past all the excitement on the strip.
I love stopping at In-N-Out after we pick up a car.
I love hitting the freeway and leaving it all behind me.
And I especially love saying goodbye dirt mountains on our way to the gorge.
I LOVE LAS VEGAS
Because I know if I've made it to Las Vegas
I'm only 2 hours away
from familiar
from safety
from home.
Until next time Vegas

6 comments:

Christie said...

I can't get past the "I hate Vegas" part. Probably because I don't get to go see any cute family members whenever I'm there. Maybe I'll go visit yours next time. Think they're up to having me? Ha ha ha.

Bridget said...

I agree about the hating Vegas part. Don't have any family around there so there's no "but I love..." for me.

Malea said...

I want to hear about the trip here. Did you have a great Christmas? I aggree with you and Vegas. I only liked it once upon a time because that's where we would shop, eat at Olive Garden and IN-N-Out. No reason to go now, 'cept that's where we have family:)

richard dandelion said...

Don't forget Vegas's greatest benefit:

In'N'Out Burger.

richard dandelion said...

Whoops. I didn't read carefully enough. My bad. :-)

Erika said...

Yeah, Vegas. Its only redeeming quality is In and Out, however St. G has one of them now, and Chipotle.