Vegas Baby!

I just got back from a Kantara Initiative conference in Las Vegas. I work with KI in my SAML testing which was the motivation behind the trip. It was my first trip to Vegas, and I was excited to see a city I have heard so much about. I leave there greatly disappointed.

First, nothing about gambling entices me. Many people go there thinking they will just spend X dollars, are prepared to lost that (but only that) and consider the process of doing so entertainment. Not me. I can't get past the obviousness that slots and the other games are designed to win more than you do. The best that can happen is you get "lucky", and you quit while you are ahead. Not for me.

Still, I thought I might be able to appreciate the Vegas experience just as an observer. Not happening. Slot machine after slot machine, but everyone looked so unhappy playing them. I heard two or three people yell out in joy during the time I was there, I presume because of their winning something, but the rest looked frankly pathetic.

I also had high hopes for the famed Vegas strip, but it disappointed as well. The buildings were huge, but it had an over-built feel. I did not notice the lights as much as the enormous buildings overwhelming the scenery.

And then it was the small things. Because their profit lies primarily in the gambling, they do everything to discourage from doing anything else but gamble. I stayed in the Rio which is a huge hotel/casino. The only work out room they had in this entire place was was in their spa center, but to use it you had to pay $22/day. Internet service in the room costs $8/hour. The Comfort Inn is better than that.

I know there are other things to do in Vegas like the shows which I did not have the opportunity to see, but those are not big draws to me. I am glad to see it once on business, but I can't see going back on pleasure.