Vegas From the Inside

I was amazed to learn that as spectacular as Las Vegas is from the outside, if you go inside most places it's just as awesome. This was not the case during my last visit in 1975, but boy, how it's changed! This shot was taken inside Caesar's Palace. If it looks like a Renaissance Italian cathedral, I'm sure that's no conicidence. Beautifully painted ceilings, elaborate columns; wow! Ceasar's is one of the few Vegas hotels that survives in the same buildings that were extant in 1975. Most of the others from that era have been blown up and replaced, either with a new resort of the same name or something completely different. For example, Wynn Las Vegas occupies the site of the old Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn. Caesars has defied the trends and remains plush, up to date, and popular, even by today's standards. Obviously a lot of remodeling has been done over the years...and it's worked!

Here we are inside the Venetian. Vast interior areas are occupied by VERY upscale shops; fine eateries; and reasonably authentic Italian architecture. There's even a long canal, and you can take gondola rides; the gondolier sings to you as you paddle along. All this action takes place under a magnificent trompe l'oeil sky, and after awhile when you get absorbed in the scene, and maybe have skulled a few drinks, you almost forget you're NOT outdoors. In summer, of course, you would really recognize the out of doors quickly...think stepping into a blast furnace. At this time of year, it's a little cooler when you go outside.

This is the passageway through the shops at Wynn Las Vegas. Like Caesar's and the Venetian, massively upscale. Las Vegas has gone through several phases in recent decades. In the 70s and 80s, it was primarily a place where the average American adult could go to get more fun and maybe a wilder time than was found in say, Iowa or Alabama or Fresno. In the 90s, with the baby boomers all having kids of their own, Vegas became much more family oriented. Now, Vegas has gone waaaaay upscale. It now appeals to affluent high rollers from all over the world. Places like Caesars, Wynn, Venetian, and Bellagio all cater to these folks. Yet, in all of them, you can play some slots one cent at a time, so to some extent, a common touch is retained. And despite the plush surroundings, there is absolutely no dress code. Armani and lettered t-shirts are both fine. In reality, though the current trend is upscale, Vegas caters to everyone, and always has. Perhaps that's the reason for its huge attraction.