1) It is usually cheaper (room-wise in particular).
2) My wife likes looking at the decorations.
3) It is a tradition.
4) It is cooler (weather-wise).
My grandmother and grandfather were huge gamblers in the early 90s. One year on my birthday, my grandmother decided to take my brother and I to Vegas. I was maybe 14 I suppose. She was a steady gambler, but she set that all aside and proceeded to show my brother and I every bit of downtown and the Strip. We saw the “new” California Pizza Kitchen in the fairly new Mirage hotel (the restaurant is still there btw). She showed us the Wizard of Oz theme at MGM Grand (not there anymore btw). It was a great trip. Eating shrimp cocktail at 9am, watching Siegfried and Roy, I think Louie Anderson had a comedy show. My grandmother was so happy showing off her favorite city to me, and I think she enjoyed being our tour guide more than anything. She didn’t gamble once.
2 months later…diagnosed with ovarian cancer and died. Vegas was the last time I remember her happy. Vegas means much more to me than debauchery and nightlife. I still go every chance I get to this day, which proves that Vegas can represent whatever you want it to represent because it is how the person views it. I visit Vegas and I immediately feel my grandmother is with me looking at all of the new casinos and enjoying the decor.
She would have loved the Christmas decorations.
]]>I also grab for Gusto, whoever that is.
]]>