Las Vegas, Nevada

Been there lately? I hadn't visited Sin City since the early nineties. Wow! Has Vegas ever changed. It has spread out from here to Sunday. Gargantuan resorts line Las Vegas Boulevard, aka The Strip. Alas, it has acquired the Branson syndrome, bumper-to-bumper traffic. Makes you wonder where all those people are going and why they don't use public transit facilities. I guess they are in cars because quite a few of them are Californians who drove over for the weekend. Maybe, they were looking for a place to park. There were so many cars on the street, it didn't seem like anyone parked. Maybe, they don't ride the bus, because they wouldn't get where they are going any faster. The buses travel in the same bumper-to-bumper mess. There's a monorail, but it's not cheap and it's located far enough off the main drag to discourage use. And, the sidewalks. They are crowded with people, elbow-to-elbow and cheek-to-jowl. When you get tired of walking, there is no place to sit, except in front of a slot machine or in a food service area. They tell me that you used to be able to get a good meal for a reasonable price, but those days are over. Serve yourself buffets start at around $10 for breakfast and $14 or more for a dinner. Well, I still recommend that you visit Vegas, if you get the chance or some reason other than games of chance. Like they say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.' And rightfully so. Who would wish the traffic, high prices, and lack of public amenities on their home turf.