It's hard to imagine a bigger desert oasis than Las Vegas.

Let's be honest, it's Friday afternoon, and for someone born at the end of the school year, my birthday might as well be as much of a dream as this is.



This is one of those places I mentioned earlier that other tourists have been to and I haven't as an American. Of course, as a non-21 year old, it is something I can justify not having visited. But really, I would be perfectly happy being here for a significant amount of time (2 years maybe, after graduation, while I'm still kickin') and being "that friend" who can always put you up in Vegas.



And really, as much as I enjoy nature and the beauty of the mountains and desert, I really flourish in busy places. Sometimes I crave serenity, but I have never felt quite as home as I did in New York City. The constant action, the huge crowds, the lights and insanity; this is how I would live if given the opportunity. Always on. Have a great Friday afternoon and drink one for Las Vegas!



Facts:
Las Vegas has more than 35 wedding chapels
Year first casino was licensed 1931
Average cost of filing for divorce in Nevada, in dollars 450
Percent of visitors who end up gambling during their stay 87
Annual visitors to Las Vegas, in millions 36.7
The famous Las Vegas Strip is not located in the city of Las Vegas
There is one operating slot machine in Las Vegas for every 8 residents.
Historically, on the average, approximately 230 marriage licenses are issued per day in Las Vegas
More than 5,000 people move into the Las Vegas valley on a monthly basis.



Travel is only glamorous in retrospect. - Paul Theroux