Las Vegas may be the most depressing city on Earth.
Yesterday was an amazing day. We started out in Kanab, Utah, nestled in the Utah desert surrounded by national parks and fantastic scenery. We wound through the desert plateau, the forest, over the Colorado, and finally to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Then we headed onwards, through the Western Arizona deserts, over the Hoover Dam (at night, which is really awesome), and into this dump.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a Puritan sneering at the mere notion of Sin City. Despite its grandeur, Utah didn’t manage to sell me on those points (though I do wonder about Utah-Nevada relations). But outside of the Strip, Las Vegas is really just a terrible city. It’s full of run-down pawn shops, sketchy strip malls, and lots of general degradation. It really just feels like a city that caters to people who will do anything to get their fix of the glamour and the twinkly lights.
As for the Strip itself, well, it’s an impressive light show on a Friday night. There are people everywhere, and although it seems like it might be fun to strut around, you can’t help thinking that these people are missing the ugly side of what’s around them.
Maybe its the prices that have got me down. Ross and managed to find this terrible motel for $65. Personally, I don’t feel more comfortable when the desk guy only peers at you through a little peep hole, and he forces you to pay in cash. The place is dirty and sketchy, but it was the best option we found. This city is not made for passers-through; all the hotels are expensive unless you plan to stay for several days and gamble with them. Even the Super 8 has slot machines attached!
So we’re moving on. This morning we’ll cross into California and the Mojave Desert, and either head to Los Angeles, or go North to Santa Rosa. We’re doing reasonably well with keeping our costs down, although we’re hoping to sleep on some friends’ floors for a few days to save money. Other than that, we’re hoping that the next couple days of driving prove as magnificent as the last two.
Posted on March 18th, 2006 by Lee
Tagged: Roadtrip
Oh, please! You just don’t like Las Vegas because you’re some sort of Puritan that sneers at the very notion of SIn City! Would you have been happier being kidnapped by the mormons in Utah? Still, sounds like a great adventure, keep up the posting! And if you’re concerned about dirty motels, stay north. LA is a dirty motel mired in sweat and congealing burritos. Although, you could go to Planet Hollywood… in Hollywood!