Thursday's Tackle - Online Vacation to Las Vegas

I decided on Thursdays I would challenge myself to write about new or possibly controversial subjects. I need to stretch myself  and my writing skills to become marketable. I need writing samples to provide to potential clients. Thus, I decided to have an on-going experiment on Thursdays when I tackle a subject outside my normal area of expertise and possibly comfort zone. I submit for your reading pleasure, my first "Thursday Tackle."

* * * * * * * * *

I love the Internet. When there is a question, I sit down at my laptop and search the World Wide Web for answers. This summer Jorge asked about his beloved new discovery Peanut Butter. He also wanted to know about the origin of hot dogs. When he returned to Spain, I looked up pictures and information about Spain. Recently I was looking at pictures of his one month tour through the U.S.A. with fellow exchange students. His second favorite place was Las Vegas. So I explored Las Vegas through my Internet connection as I'm wearing my CSI Las Vegas T-shirt, of course.

I discovered that I can enjoy a trip to Las Vegas without leaving my home! You doubt me? Well, let me show you how I did it and then judge for yourself. First of all, I found my own personal on-line tour guide, Darin, who did a podcast to show me some of the sites in and around Las Vegas. Just to expose my ignorance, I didn't know that people could visit Lake Mead (the first National Recreational Area), the Hoover Dam or The Valley of Fire while visiting Las Vegas. I was able to see the natural red rock formations of the landscape without suffering through the desert heat on a tour bus.

I love shows. So I wondered what kinds of shows I could take in while vacationing from home. I couldn't decide between the Cirque Du Soleil or Blue Man Group, so I did both. I love how realistic these videos are. If I was actually in Las Vegas, I would be way up in the nose bleed section and have to look around the heads of those in front of me. Look! I can even enjoy the water fountain show at the Bellagio to the sound of Sarah Brightman (whom I adore from Andrew Lloyd Weber productions).

Okay, I've done a little sight seeing around the city, I've gone to some shows. What else is there for me to do while I'm on my virtual vacation?  I discovered a site which has all kinds of information about Las Vegas entertainment. From this site I was able to discover an exhibit of real human bodies on loan from China. This display shows the insides of humans. I was all ready to take my on-line tour of this exhibit, but sadly the video was only a tease. Bummer. (But maybe for the best since I'm not into blood, guts, hearts, livers, etc.) I also found that I could do some shopping, but I'm not into shopping.

I discovered that my Vegas Online trip can include the activity for which Las Vegas is most famous. I can play all the gambling games online which would be available to me if I actually fly out there. I decided I would do what I'd do if I really visited Las Vegas.  I'm going to wait until youngest kids are in bed, pour myself a glass of Merlot and pull out the $20 I'm going to allow myself to lose. (Don't worry, my husband will hide all the credit cards and sit beside me to keep me honest.) Hum? What should I do with my mad money? I think I'll play Black Jack. And when I'm done, I'm going to turn on my DVR and watch the CSI Las Vegas episode when Sara returns.

But before I conclude my brief fantasy vacation, I just had to share this one last site I found, you know, in case I actually went there. This site displays lots of information about the city including a page which has researched visiting Las Vegas from the point-of-view of visitors with special needs. You know, with Jonathan, I have a soft spot in my heart for places which provide access for those with physical challenges.

* * * * * * * * *

Okay, I don't know if I was successful in my first attempt at writing something different. First of all, it was way too much fun and not challenging at all. Secondly, it just sounds like me writing about something other than Jonathan and things related to special needs. What do you think? Hopefully I find something different next week to tackle.