juxtaposition

Now Las Vegas is not a place I normally choose as a destination, but a work trip put me there. And while I marveled (and squinted) at bright lights and crowds, I kept thinking of all the juxtapositions between where I was, and back home.

I'm always up to explore, no matter where I am, especially after sitting in conferences all day (plus, they close the pools at 5pm!)!

dry desert, snowy Sierras

The basic differences are easy to point out, but then it got interesting.

local pool (Folsom Lake, Hi Major!)

water feature

There was lots of walking all over, as I'm not a gambler, though I did lose a bundle ($3) on some epic skee-ball (my absolute favorite). I did come out a winner: I gave my game tickets to a little boy who was just so excited to have them, win for all.

bright colors abound

royal felines

monuments to achievement (rock pile at the top of a big hiking hill)

When I couldn't take the crowds any more, I did find a quiet, dark place to just chill: an aquarium inside a hotel! You can't go wrong with that kind-of shark (not the gambling card kind), and the lionfish giving me a hard stare was epic.

creature feature: lionfish stare, salamander side-eye

sunrise

But there is beauty to be found everywhere. My parting vista of fluffy clouds over the desert was lovely, but I still think I prefer the furry view between Major's ears.

Vegas Vista

Major view (and hair problems, nice forelock?)