After many months, a solution?

Reading James Lileks’ blog today I took note of his recent visit to Las Vegas, complete with photos.

The pics engaged my brain into a recall of this past March.

If you’ve forgotten, here is an entry that states clearly that this was not the best out-of-town trip I have ever had.

Maybe now is the time to truly process what went on for me there, and why I had such a substantial case of the blues.

Findings? Several.

First, unmet expectations.

I recall planning the trip then ruminating during the drive there about how it would be grand to watch the NCAA selection show in a sportsbook. Now, I don’t need to say much more about this as previous blog entries detailed the subject. I think I also was looking forward to sunning by the pool (one of several at Caesar’s Palace) and relaxing with Geogal at my side. Combine all this with being able to enjoy the leisurely pace of Vegas and taking in the offerings of the hotel, and I would be in a state of euphoria.

Ha.

I did catch some rays by the pool one afternoon. A crowded pool. Almost wall-to-wall humans. And I quaffed a non-alcoholic smoothie which set me back $12 (see number three below). Was this a privilege? To barely be able to find a chaise lounge and have to pay through the nose for a drink that would cost me around three dollars at Jamba Juice?

Plus, I forgot just how much walking around crowds of people is a part of being in one of the larger Vegas hotel/casinos.

Second, too much isolation and alone time.

I’m sure some of you know the meaning when I say I can feel very alone in a crowd of people. I am not energized by a gaggle of humans, particularly when they are drinking, being boorish, and overtly selfish. “Nuff said.

But since Geogal was away at her professional gathering most of the days (and evenings), I was alone. Isolated. Cut off. Not around my loved ones or friends. Not good for my introverted self. And being able to connect to the Internet (another daily charge by the hotel--see number three below) does not make up for face-to-face interaction.

And I was away from my child during this time. I’ve been away from her before, but when you’re lonesome or need an uplift, there’s nothing better than playing with your own kid.

Coming in at number three, the green stuff. No, I’m not talking of gambling losses (though I did burn up a dollar in the slot machines). Rather, I felt as if I was nickeled-and-dimed to death in Sin City. Want a beer at the sportsbook? Overpriced. Care for a meal at one of the lower-level restaurants at Caesar’s Palace? Cough up the dough. Complimentary breakfast? Nope. And I haven’t even gotten to the tips.

My sisters are probably reading this and thinking I am a cheapskate. Yes, sometimes. But come on! Everywhere I turn? And forget about Vegas being a bastion of low-priced meals since the gamblers pay for everything. It might have been that way a generation ago, but not in 2007.

Last, sensory overload. The picture at the bottom of Lileks’ blog is a perfect summation of how my being overwhelmed with man-made creations induced dysphoria. I can admit it. I’m a nature guy. To my credit I did take a drive to Red Rock Canyon (see my pics, above). But by that time, all of the aforementioned factors had taken their toll. Again, even in spite of the beautiful vistas, I was sad and alone.

On New Year’s Eve, my family spent the evening with some friends. My friend Steve made a comment during the festivities, saying the only two places he wants to visit are Australia and Alaska. The rest of the world holds no importance to him. While I may be more diverse in my future travel destinations, Steve’s point was well-made. He likes nature, the outdoors. No cities for him.

Ditto for me. While I may visit Las Vegas in the future, probably for professional conferences, I’d rather see the works of God (nature) rather than the works of man (everything else).

Ahh, the benefit of hindsight.