My new Paris

There was a time when I fell in love with the city of Paris and London. That was some 20 years ago. I kept going back almost every other year. I enjoyed so much the long walks around the city. I would leave my hotel at around 11 am and come back at around 11 pm. Basta lakad lang ako ng lakad, hanggang magkang-liligaw ako.

Ngayon naman, I enjoy coming to Las Vegas. Not to go to the casinos but I enjoy the festive mood. Seeing tourists walking. I am entertained by the buts and boobs I see everywhere, in the lobby, in the hallway, on the sidewalks. I enjoy not looking at them, but I like the freedom that people enjoy here. They can wear anything they like and it’s just okay. Walang pangit, mataba, matanda, ma-cellulite dito. Lahat pwedeng magbikini, kesehodang nakalaylay ang mga dede at bilbil. Basta anything goes.

Spade cabaret costume

The famous shoe in Fremont Street

Dragon at the Container Park

Bikini photo ops

There are so many street artists, performers. Be ready to give a dollar.

Bikini bunnies

Women don’t have qualms about showing their naked buddies for a few dollars.

The one taking his photo was his wife.

Wear a flag

Do whatever you want. Kiss a monster by the escalator.

This place is not just about gambling and night clubs. I see families come here with babies in tow. Lolas and Lolos with their string of grandchildren check-in at hotels.

Fifteen minutes away from Las Vegas Boulevard are residential communities, nice and big houses in gated subdivisions, offices, schools, parks and playgrounds, water slides, shopping for locals, groceries, golf and more golf even at 100 degrees.

If you hate the chaos that thousands of tourists create, one can just stay 8 miles away and live a peaceful and a slower paced life just minutes away.

There are Asian and Filipino restaurants all over town. Island Pacific is here too. There’s balikbayan box padala, home service reflexology, mani-pedi, foot spa.

I now understand why many Americans retire here. Aside from the lower cost of living, older people can have some simple entertainments. They can still have fun even if they are on wheelchairs. I see 80-90 year olds playing the 1 cent slot machine.

One can watch magic, comedy shows, concerts by internationally acclaimed artists. There are a whole range of food to try, from shawarma, pho, bbq, to Michelin stars restaurants. For people with more money to spare, almost every 5 star hotel has luxury boutiques. Hermes and Valentino are right at the entrance of Bellagio, while LV, Chanel, Prada, etc. are at the side entrance, in Crystals, at the Grand Canal Shoppes in The Venetian, etc.

Dresses, bags, sneakers at Valentino

Bags and Scarves by Hermes

Of course Paris, France offers more extensive shopping choices but if you are just out to window shop or make a purchase once in a while, Las Vegas would do.

There are restaurants that are open for 24 hours and some luxury shops inside hotels close at midnight like this Breguet store inside Bellagio.

You can also make out in the middle of Bellagio’s shopping area and no one would look except me.

For more reasonable shopping, there’s the North and South Premium Outlets.

Bally

Dolce & Gabbana

Fremont Street has their own version of the Love Locks in Paris.

I am sure in a few years I will get tired of this place and lose the excitement and novelty. But for now, Vey-gas is my new Paris.

#comebackwhencooler