Las Vegas is a god forsaken town.  You're in the middle of the desert, even the shower feels chalky, and everyone around you is loosing wads of cash in exchange for the fleeting hope of improving their sad, smoke filled lives.

I once made a pact with myself: never visit LA, never visit Las Vegas, and never eat at a Carl's Jr.  So far I've only kept my word with regards to Carl's Jr.  The commercials are unappetizing to the point of being grotesque, and the name, "Carl's Jr., is just, well, stupid as hell and makes no sense, and I refuse to patronize the place for that reason.  But we're talking about Vegas here.

Las Vegas Nevada.  A weekend in Las Vegas just might be the cure for the Catholic upbringing.  Wracked by guilt?  Seeking approval?  Worried about your moral path?  What you might need is a good dose of submersion therapy – submersion into the "anything goes" mentality.   During your first few hours in the city of eternal hellfire you might find yourself--as I did--seeking out eye contact with the official looking badge displaying casino staff, waiting for the inevitable reprimand for your flagrant moral transgressions and general folly where rules are concerned…."M'am, I’m sorry but you cannot enter this area with your drink" "Ma’am, you’re identification is insufficient for you to participate in this activity…." "Young Lady, our cameras have spotted you wittling a $20 winning down to a $30 loss on these slots, I am sorry to inform you that you are required to stop gambling so foolishly, the casino does not permit such idiocy."  You'll notice that this reprimand never comes.  No matter how many rules you think you're breaking.  It just never happens.

Glassy eyed, staggering and drink toting patrons are smiled upon and winked at in approval.  The uniformed staff cheerfully congratulate you on such displays of debauchery, "Good for you!  High five! Have another drink!"  "The hotel staff would like you to know that we encourage smoking in all areas of our facility, ash trays are provided for your convenience in every toilet stall and baby changing center."  It is actually a violation of Nevada State Code Section 548 to be caught in public without an alcoholic beverage after the hour of 11 am.  By the end of your stay a motivated traveler can expect to build up a healthy sense of entitlement to sin. 

Bring the kids!