Our Las Vegas
Although each of us came originally from east of here, we love Las Vegas — its variety, the mix of people, great restaurants, the easy access to entertainment and we don’t even mind the climate.
Since so many of you come here to see Tom, we thought we’d share some of our favorite people and places and link you to some interesting attractions in case you want to do a bit of exploring between shows. We’ve linked to many of the places we talk about so it’s easier for you to check them out.
If you have anything to add, please do and, if you choose to go someplace we recommend based on our recommendation, please let us know what you thought of it. We’ll be adding more very often.
And, to stay up-to-date with the local community — especially if you are considering a move here — check out Vegas Community Online. Our friend Marleen Marino has the best community site in the city — no cheesy gossip, just lots of news and columns that cover every facet of life here. Check it out!
— Ellen & Ursula
Las Vegas, NeVAHda (NOT) and Other Oddities of Las Vegas Life
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006
Here in Las Vegas, all is not what it seems to be. Even the name of the place.
If you want to sound like a native, you’re in Las (pronounced “loss”) Vegas, Nevada (the first “a” in Nevada is pronounced like the “a” in “caddy,” not like the “a” in “Harvard.”) It’s easy, just takes a little practice.
When a native talks about the numbered highways here (15, 215, 95, etc.), the number is always preceded by the article, “the.” Thus, you take “the 215 to Henderson;” “the 15 to California,” and “the 95″ to wherever the 95 goes.
And, be warned, just because a road seems heading toward where you want to go, don’t be too sure it will actually get there. Streets in Las Vegas often have an odd tendency to just — well — stop and then pick up elsewhere. So, when you’re exiting onto Buffalo, for example, unless you have the correct side of Buffalo you might get lost very soon. A map or GPS system is very handy here.
Speaking of roads, that brings us to the actual act of driving. Everyone here talks about how bad the drivers are. Apparently that doesn’t bother the Las Vegans as they attribute the bad driving to the fact that most bad drivers here are originally from California. So, in the end, bad drivers in Nevada have nothing to do with Nevada.
Being neither natives nor Californians, we cannot pass judgement on those beliefs. But, we can tell you to watch it. Lane changes, signals, turns — all are done casually with little or no regard to what other cars are doing. The very term “defensive driving” was invented for Las Vegas.
AND, THE BEST THING ABOUT DRIVING IN LAS VEGAS? It’s the parking. Specifically, the valet parking at hotels and casinos. Sure, there have been incidents where cars were damaged, but that can happen in any parking garage anywhere or, for that matter, on any street. The fact is that, for just a few dollars for a tip, you don’t have to schlep through a parking garage for seemingly miles until you get to your destination and you don’t have to walk through an empty garage late at night. Try it, you’ll love it!
March 14th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
Thank you, Ladies! I’ve been to Vegas four times and I’m always looking for something unique and different to try. Thanks so much for your “insider” view. Can’t wait to get back to your town!
June 24th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Nice writing here, and in the ‘Scoop’ in Kentucky….