Freemont St. vs The Strip - May 6

Sunday, May 6th

On advice from my mechanic in Denmark, I check the MZ's rearwards electrics, tracking the fuse-blowing problem to a disconnected brake light wire. I also take off the silencer, shake it to see if anything is loose inside (a death ringer), but nothing rattles. My anxiety level drops to normal, and soon I find my way to less flashy Freemont Street, which has it's own venues and smaller scale attractions.

'Heart Attack Grill' on Freemont Street: "Fighting anorexia since 2005. Over 350 lbs. eats for free." Indeed. You can even have an employee dressed as a nurse take you to your car in a wheelchair...

Unlike The Strip, which is also a visual assault on all senses, Freemont Street's vendors mainly compete by sound volume. One enterprising elderly gentleman 71 years old danced along to one of several rock bands. Hard work dancing on that kind of surface - I hope his joints will take it.

One serious step further than a mere 'no entry' sign.

Hostel Cat & strippers on one side of Las Vegas Blvd., while on the other side you can get married in the company of Elvis impersonators.

Back on The Strip, I'm taking in all the impressions, watch the Bellagio Fountain again a few times  (older version with Michael Jackson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0DP53mLEoo), and note that I'm finally acclimatized enough not to walk into doors anymore. Unlike in Europe, doors here always open outwards. Slot machine designs are an art form by themselves, and just like in days of yore - albeit politically/healthwise incorrect today - scantily clad cigarette girls walk around. The main difference from earlier times may be all their tattoos.     

Lower right corner: Women dressed up as if going to the carnival in Rio pose for pics with tourists, as do a large number of superheroes and supervillains. It probably pays well.