Whatever Happens In Vegas Is Probably Expensive

I have to start this post with the disclaimer that I don't drink, rarely play slot machines, certainly don't gamble and have never paid for an escort in my life. Therefore the chances of finding things to do while in Las Vegas is narrowed by a sizable percentage. Over the course of my life I have been in Las Vegas three times: in the 80's to take a defensive driving class, and then twice this century for conventions. My, how things have changed.

Remember the stories of getting great dining for very little money? Yeah, those days are gone. Now every hotel has several award winning chefs running restaurants and the prices reflect that high level of competition. I took my son with my this time. For lunch one day, we each ordered a regular hamburger, we split an order of fries, he had a soda and I had a milkshake. Grand Total: $60.00 before tip. For a hamburger!

I love to shop. I enjoy nothing more than wandering through mall after mall of shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry; it produces a calm that soothes my agitation. However, I would like to give the big names a few pieces of advice. First of all - it's a purse people, there is no reason it should have more studs on it than the headliner at the strip club down the road. I would strain my back trying to lift those suckers.

Second - what kind of world do we live in when a 40% off sale means the watch is still $12,000.00. That's more than I paid for my first new car! For a watch! Sure it looks pretty, but so does a high priced hooker and she'll hang on my arm too! Third - most people are not a size 6. Why does no one stock on their floor sizes for real people? Real people have lots of money too.

So after six days in Las Vegas I have come to the conclusion it is a great place to visit for three days tops, but more than that and the sad fact of the excess begins to bleed through until all you see are the homeless begging for money which might or might not be to feed their own addictions. All in all, it was a good learning experience for my son. The mystique and allure of Las Vegas has tarnished and he sees the truth.

Not all the glitters is really gold.