Vegas

 

We just pulled into Vegas. I think it was ten years since I was last in this town. Vegas is as amazing as it is disturbing. I had to chuckle when I saw the recreation of the eiffel tower. A testament to the xenophobic nature of America. I think that's one of the fundamental flaws of this culture. The idea that you can recreate another cultural experience so that you don't have to actually go to Paris to have it is absurd. Americans en mass don't understand quality the same way that the French do. I've been to France many times. The essence of that place has become a part of my psyche. If we are open to it, we can absorb aspects of the essence of a foreign place. That's something that has expanded and enriched my own world view. It's also opened my mind to other ways of thinking which are distinct from ours. Vegas is a fun place to party I'm sure. But I've spent time in the ghetto's of Africa with decent happy people who have nothing. When I look at the absurd excess of this place it makes me laugh. But it also makes me sad.