Las Vegas, Nevada

When my parents found a place they liked, they kept going there (Just as in Florida).  Perhaps it is an instinct for familiarity. Visits to Las Vegas number more than the fingers on my hand. Although a number of these trips were for trade shows on my part. Las Vegas was an annual ritual for my parents -- at least several times a year. Mom enjoyed the buffets and the occasional show. Gambling wasn't a real high priority. I think it was just the life of the place and how everything was in walking distance.  Maybe they enjoyed watching my sister and I win a bunch of stuffed animals at Circus Circus. Maybe it was the cheap rooms?  Whatever it was, Las Vegas was like a semi-annual pilgrimage point for my parents.

Late 1960s / Early 1970s -- An early trip to Vegas

1999 - At our cousin Wendy's wedding in Las Vegas 

(L to R) My sister Tina, me, cousin Wendy, new husband Jeff

Recent Travel Notes About Las Vegas

Las Vegas, at least on the surface, is a shadow of what it once was when we started visiting. At that time, the only family place was Circus Circus. In the past 10 years the place has exploded with one new casino / experience after another. I used to really like the place.  That is until the recent phase of building and constantly trying to come up with new themes.  Maybe I'm just jaded from one too many visits. Certainly a place to visit for a quick getaway every so often when the mood to stay up all night hits, but certainly not longer than a couple of days.  My parents would certainly give you another perspective, but I think they would agree on not staying for longer than a few days.

Regardless of what you may think of the place, behind the entire facade of family friendly casinos, it's still about gambling. Gambling with alot of interesting twists. Definitely worth a visit for the uninformed.