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Rosie and The Operator had greatly anticipated their return to Vegas 10 years after their first visit.  That first time was awesome, the bright lights, the bustle, the action, the sights, the city that never sleeps.  Was it that good because we were ten years younger, or, had Vegas itself aged ten years and was reaching jaded middle age along with us?

The first time is always the best, for anything….then we try to recreate a time, location or the original feeling and it is never the same, it leaves you abit disappointed as you know how good that first time was or felt.  Vegas left Rosie a little like that….the reality didn’t live up to the memory.

The irony is Vegas hasn’t really changed one bit, the gigantic surreal Disneyland for the desperate is exactly as we left it ten years ago.  The gimmicks, the hooks to lure you inside were all the same, just abit more (well, quite alot really) faded and dusty.  I was shocked that Vegas hasn’t kept up with the passing decades, hasn’t refreshed itself or bathed in the showers of cash that pass through its streets.  Is this city just relying on one time visitor magic or is it relying on the return punter being chemically oblivious to its sagging botox.

The city wasn’t as ‘alive’ as it was last visit, the sheer volume of people seemed less, the brides of a decade ago numbered in at least two dozen seen over a weekend, the gondolas of the Venetian were full of dewy eyed lasses being presented with roses and proposals while more qued for their chance and turn. This time round I saw three brides and the gondolas were parked up with no song ringing out over the ‘canals’.  Everyone seemed to go to bed early…..shops that were once open 24/7 were closed by 11pm.  A sign of the times?  A weak economy where people do not have the income to waste?

I am not sure on that last statement….the only continuity was the desperation in the eyes of the gamblers…..that was still the same.  No one gambles in Vegas for fun….all hope to strike it big, be the lucky one, come away made.  The stale sweat smell of the pokie room first thing in the morning when there are people who have been sitting on the same machines all night hoping to win it big…their eyes looked hollow and desperate, that hadn’t changed.

Rosie is sounding a little maudlin, but this is how Vegas kind of made me feel.  The city that presents itself to the world through a shining facade, but behind the mask it is a dried up husk…..old, tired and in need of some plastic surgery.

Don’t get me wrong Rosie and The Operator enjoyed themselves, but….the encore wasn’t as good as the first set.  What we did enjoy the most was the range and variety of musicals, shows and concerts available, grab a ‘whats on in Vegas’, most hotel rooms will have this as standard issue inside, pick what you want to see and book it straight away.  You can gamble with the half price ticket booths which close a couple of hours before the shows start, and, if you are lucky get a cheap deal…..but if are in Vegas you are on holiday and no doubt have the loot to spend so don’t miss out.  The two shows we went to had no spare seats and we booked on the day paying full price ….  We loved the restaurants as well, there is something here to cater for everyone, every budget and every genre.  The ‘whats on..’ also gives you reviews and listings for dining out.
If we were to go back again….and I would never say never….as we have dear friends who wish to get married in Vegas one day….and you need witnesses Moley, so you will be stuck with us…like it or not!  I think we would stay in a smaller hotel off the strips main drag….just for ease of use, convenience and a lesser price tag.

Vegas, Rosie and the Operator may see you again one day……