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Monday, November 19, 2012

THE OTHER SIDE OF LAS VEGAS

So there's the Strip, which everyone knows by sight and sound and reputation: the glitz & glam that's an introvert's nightmare complete with sensory overload and exhaustion and a general overwhelming-ness that really, why would I ever want to do again?

And then there's Red Rock Canyon, which I discovered on this, my second journey to Las Vegas. It's thirteen miles of bliss, right across the bridge, in the suburbs. Vegas resident & fabulous friend & amazing author Lindsey Leavitt and I went at sunset:





LL & moi!


Gorgeous, right? And serene and settling and inspiring.

HOWEVER. Some of you may not have a Lindsey to mooch a ride from. If you are stuck on the Strip, I've got another suggestion for you: The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel. 

It's this tiny little garden/waterfall area strategically tucked between tall buildings and rock walls and towering palms to make you feel like you are out in the wilderness. And you know what? It's small, but it works! I spent about an hour and felt all kinds of rejuvenated:




And then there's Lake Meade and the Hoover Dam, which I explored last time I went to Vegas, and yes, it's interesting and away from the excess, but it was kind of a one-n-done thing for me.

Red Rock Canyon and the Wildlife Habitat? If ever I find myself again in Vegas they will be on the itinerary.

More on Vegas with a complete NCTE Report coming later this week!


5 comments:

  1. So wonderful to meet you, Irene!! Loved your talk at the Poetry Session and getting to know you at Diegos!! I am going back to the Vegas area some day and staying off the strip at a resort a friend told me about. LOVE the Red Rock advice and also the Flamingo Wildlife tip, too. You were lucky to decompress. I liked our trip to the Hoover Dam because I like the geography on the drive, but want to see the Gand Canyon, too. Will you be in Boston next year? I so hope so!!!! Hope to be talking to you more online. Janet F.

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    1. So great to meet you, Janet! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm.. .always great to meet a fellow poetry-lover. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  2. Sorry I couldn't come this year, but your 'away from Vegas' tour looks a lot like what we have in Colorado-gorgeous country for sure. I liked hearing about the little oasis too. Nice to look around when you visit somewhere new.

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    1. Linda, I so would have enjoyed meeting you!!! Guess I'll just have to come to Colorado. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  3. We loved Hoover Dam, and my husband loved Red Rock (he went Saturday morning while I was at the conference). The flamingo habitat--not so much. Tons of smokers and a few screaming ninja kids kind of ruined the mood, even though we were there around 9 a.m. Ah well, I did get a funny pic of a stork flattening its beak over its whole head! So that was fun:>)

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