Some thoughts on Vegas

[Ozz]

Now that we have been here a few days, I have some observations.
The locals have little patience with the tourists. Sue and I were walking down the strip, came to a light, a car was sailing (too fast) through an intersection, the other side still had people crossing, even a wheelchair, the car barely slowed, his horn honking, people scattering. The person pushing the wheelchair was the last to get out of the way. I told Sue, there goes a person that hates life.
When walking down the streets, there are hundreds of people with a job that entails passing out little cards with naked women on them, they have little stars covering 'critical' areas. The cards are everywhere! on the sidewalk, in the streets, curled up in the fences, and cracks in concrete. The guys handing them out sometimes are 10-15 strong, you have to thread through them. The more aggressive of the street hasslers are selling something, time shares, tickets, or something. Probably many things.
I have a short fuse at times, they light that short fuse.
Some of them are less aggressive, and let it go when you just walk by, some walk along with you, asking conversation starters, "Where are you from?" "Where are you staying?" some have interesting displays next to the sidewalk, because people will pause to point it out, or make a comment they can interact with you on. I, being the blunt, impatient person that I am, let some of them 'Talk to the hand', some get my attention long enough for me to say "Forget it", or "Don't even start". These low life's are even at the entrance of the Casino's, they dress in black, or the same general uniform of the dealers in the Casino's.
The one that pushed me over the edge, was at New York, New York.
He was a big black guy, big smile, probably them pushiest one in town that I observed, he wouldn't let it go, I finally turned around and said "Do you know how many times we've been hassled by you guys in the last hour?" He spread his arms and said "Hey man, I'm just doing my job!" I told him "YOUR JOB SUCKS!" I then said; "Get a real job, a respectable job that entails not hassling people!".
One person in the crowd said; "Yea, please!"
Sue was a little uncomfortable, she doesn't like to see me get me 'Excited'. But, I had been pushed too far by then.
I was all Pod. when we asked a security guard for directions to the parking garage, he was so nice, even walked with us to the elevator and walked us through the maze of 'Cony Island' amusement arcade upstairs. he was from Michigan, a super nice guy, (The one pointing his finger at me in the picture I posted)
So, there are super people in Vegas, just not the ones 'Working the crowd'.
Edit for some pictures:
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0194.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0193.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0192.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0191.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0223.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0221.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0228.jpg

[txkrumm]

Yep Ozz. That's the seedier, icky side of Vegas. I am not much for that town; have to visit once a year on business and that's more than enough for me. I think away from the strip, things are probably like any other town. Sorry you guys had that bad experience.

[Ozz]

Oh, don't get me wrong, (I'm just a whiner) I love the town, I just think they should clean up that part on the strip.
Thanks for your kind words, I can see beyond that, there are many good things as well.

[LonnieB]

Ozz, it's funny how some people think. Most of those people that are so intolerant of tourists, wouldn't even have a job if it weren't for the tourist industry. I would think the city recieves a lot more revenue from people like us, than they do from the high rollers who are there for one reason only, to gamble. The tourists are the ones that go to the shows, shop, and get married. I don't know this for fact, JMO.
I know what you mean about the pushy sidewalk vendors. I too have very little patience with these people, and it really doesn't matter how you interact with them, positive or negative, they still get the attention they were after in the first place. I agree, they should get a job thats more respectable and more compatable with the normal population, but most of the ones I've been around don't have the mentality or desire. They just don't give a rip!
Good thing you had your check valve with you, otherwise you may have been in need of the bail bondsmans number,lol. I'm glad you guys are having a good time and not letting the bad things spoil your trip.

[bsmeaton]

Ozz,
I remember those people working the streets back in 70s when I first started going there - it's just part of the town good or bad. Whatever they are selling must sell because it's been going on for at least 30 years.

Vegas has tried to change thier image several times but they always revert back to what they were. 15 years ago they tried to encourage a family environment with theme parks at every casino and kids activities, but it turned out to be a marketing mistake. Most of the theme parks are gone and now even the city sponsered commercials are pushing back into the "sin city" image, as it promotes big spenders.

I know people that live there and they say it is two different worlds. There is the community, and then there is downtown or the strip. Neither cross paths very often.

I say let Vegas be Vegas. I have the freedom to decide if I want to go there or not.

Now I am babbling and getting political - but I'm finished

[Ozz]

Brad, sometimes you are so logical and understanding, it's scary!
The last time we were here was when the MGM burned, so you can imagine how much of an 'Other world' experience it is for me!

[bsmeaton]

That was a while ago Ozz! horrible-horrible fire! In my profession (fire protection engineering), a lot of the standards used today are based on that fire and the lessons learned. In fact, Las Vegas is so careful now and has such unique architecture in thier buildings that they have become a leader in fire technology applications which takes me there on business every once in while.

When I go, I usually run out of money in the hotel I'm staying at so I never get to the streets and never have to deal with the street people!

[Parrothead]

I agree with Brad, Vegas has been seedy for many years. It use to be as long as you were on the strip it wasn't so bad. But when the downtown seedy started hitting the strip it got unpleasant. That is when we started going to Laughlin. When we first went to L. there were only 2 casinos. Now there are at least a dozen and maybe more. But we still like it better than Vegas and you can walk outside and enjoy the river. And we usually win pretty good in Laughlin.
Happy trails...........................

[Kathi]

My parents lived there for 10 years and recently relocated back to Ca. I think they thought all of Las Vegas was like the strip. But they soon found out that the people who work on the strip have to live somewhere and that is on the outskirts. When you go off the main roads you can see how dirty it is, full of crime, prostitution etc. My parents wouldn't even go into the main part because of the filth. It is not like it was 20 years ago. I know 20 years is a long time but in just 20 years it has really gone down hill. I remember going there and you could really get to know people. Not any longer. I haven't been there since we were heading home from Montana last year before we moved here. As we came over the hill you could tell Las Vegas because it was a huge cloud of smog etc. The people are rude and you are right, they do not like visitors. Although you would think they would understand that is where their money comes from. Such a shame you had to go through that. The buildings are really nice and the money they have put into them to bring in the revenue is incredible. But I don't like crowds and that place is so full of people 24/7. Anyway, you have a good time while you are there. It will be over soon!