What I learned on Fremont Street
I’ve been in Vegas an entire year but, up until last weekend, had never had the “Fremont Street Experience.” Last Friday, my boyfriend’s brother came to town so we figured it was as good a time as any. While I knew it would be a great time waster, who knew I’d even learn a couple things?
1) Just because something is covered with glitter does not mean it’s glamorous.
Besides the circus-like atmosphere and dull neon glow aged greatly by it’s famed new counterparts residing on Las Vegas Boulevard, the first thing I noticed downtown was a video screen depicting “The Girls of Glitter Gulch.” Now, I’m not entirely sure what the definition of a “gulch” is but I’m under the impression it might not be very sexy. Which, I suppose, would probably account for the addition of the glitter. And if that’s true, then there must be some miraculous undocumented uses for glitter that I’m not aware of. Maybe I should try adding some to the oil stains my driveway that the HOA has been hassling me about. Maybe it will raise my property value.
2) Noxious fumes aren’t just for criminals anymore.
Typically, any young man with 30 bottles of spray paint in his possession on a public street would be tackled to the ground, arrested and fined. Here on Fremont, however, people “ooooh” and “ahhh” and stand around in an awe-stricken herd.
I have to admit I was part of the herd.
If somebody had told me a single person in this universe could take aerosol cans and produce a legitimate painting comparable to what you find in small boutiques and gift shops I’d have smiled and said “Oh wow.” Which is my way of saying, “Yeah right but I don’t want to argue about it.” From planets to waterfalls and even a strikingly detailed Las Vegas Boulevard, this guy put together picturesque scenes with the ease I have only in writing my name.
3) Five dollars can buy extended happiness.
Five dollars = 3,000 points at Jillian’s. 3,000 points and two accomplices kept me happy for a full hour which is pretty impressive based on inflation and my attention span.
If any of you have never been to Jillian’s, they have a large arcade area with some pretty entertaining machines. While the boys were over on a video surfing adventure I was getting my ass kicked on a street bike that demanded way too much body movement for me to effectively lean around corners. Consequently resulting in me feeding half my points into it since I’m always up for a good challenge.
The next best thing was the ATV adventure that actually made you feel like you were driving over rocky terrain and sand dunes. But once the soreness in my forearms set in I switched it up to a couple of auto races. I got a few in before the staff started shutting down lights and putting out the “time to go now” vibe.
All in all, I had quite a bit of unexpected fun. I guess it’s like they say: You learn something new everyday. Now, if only I could learn who to talk to about re-programming Viva Vision …
Precocious entrepreneur, workaholic and a rabid perfectionist Crystal Starlight knows a thing or two about getting ahead at a young age. Email her at [email protected]