Last month, we visited Las Vegas for the first time in this post-pandemic climate. My boyfriend attended a convention for the first few days, so I used our time apart to explore alone. When I hit the strip, I remember another friend once said all of the hotels are connected in some way. I tried touring around solely on the inside; I ended up hotel hopping and covered a good amount without realizing it! (from Exaclibur to the Venetian). I know I lost my way a few times and walked around in circles, but I had a good time wandering. When I realized how much ground I covered, I vowed to not subject any friends or loved ones on the path that I took.
While I walked around, I photo documented some of the different locations along the strip, just having touristy fun. When I made it to the Shops at Crystals (Aria), I looked to see if any of the decor had changed. Many of the backdrops looked the same as when I last saw them years ago. I've walked around the strip so many times, I didn't give it a second thought. More specifically, I remembered the Monorail station at Crystals has access to an art installation by James Turrell. When you enter the station, ambient lights transition between moody blue to rich magenta and glow deep purples in between.
I took selfies around the light installation and had a long, quiet pause. When I saw the photos, I felt like I was looking at a much younger version of me. My mind was flooded with memories and mixed emotions, some I thought I had forgotten. Stricken by nostalgia, I realized I lived a totally different life back then. When I looked at the photos, I remembered a younger version of me who felt lost and confused often. I wanted to cry for her, but the tears wouldn't come. I can confidently say that I had an entirely different outlook on life, but time helped me grow and change. I decided to continue walking this path alone.
The last time I walked these spaces, I was in poor-company, admittedly with someone I could not completely trust. Revisiting Las Vegas on my own terms helped me reclaim places that I thought I had previously lost. During the journey, I realized these destinations never actually “belonged” to me, rather, I was able to return to this space safely and salvage a younger version of myself. When I finally reunited with my boyfriend and our entourage, we made many more memories along the strip. It felt good to be with them and have fun, meaningful experiences together.
This is the first time in my adult life where I felt free to do everything that I wanted to, without fear of repercussion or consequence. I didn't act recklessly the entire vacation, but I will say I had some inebriated fun. When I chose for myself and acted on my desires, I had an amazing time. I wasn't bothered while walking the strip; then I realized, everyone comes to Las Vegas to have their own fun. It felt good embracing myself in this way, and felt even better knowing I have friends and loved ones to lean on if I need support. There's lots of comfort knowing this is the life and world I cultivate now.
- - - - -
Pure Rooms Simple Path
Prime Push so Temporal
Poor Timer Shapes Plum
Purple Metamorphosis
While I walked around, I photo documented some of the different locations along the strip, just having touristy fun. When I made it to the Shops at Crystals (Aria), I looked to see if any of the decor had changed. Many of the backdrops looked the same as when I last saw them years ago. I've walked around the strip so many times, I didn't give it a second thought. More specifically, I remembered the Monorail station at Crystals has access to an art installation by James Turrell. When you enter the station, ambient lights transition between moody blue to rich magenta and glow deep purples in between.
I took selfies around the light installation and had a long, quiet pause. When I saw the photos, I felt like I was looking at a much younger version of me. My mind was flooded with memories and mixed emotions, some I thought I had forgotten. Stricken by nostalgia, I realized I lived a totally different life back then. When I looked at the photos, I remembered a younger version of me who felt lost and confused often. I wanted to cry for her, but the tears wouldn't come. I can confidently say that I had an entirely different outlook on life, but time helped me grow and change. I decided to continue walking this path alone.
The last time I walked these spaces, I was in poor-company, admittedly with someone I could not completely trust. Revisiting Las Vegas on my own terms helped me reclaim places that I thought I had previously lost. During the journey, I realized these destinations never actually “belonged” to me, rather, I was able to return to this space safely and salvage a younger version of myself. When I finally reunited with my boyfriend and our entourage, we made many more memories along the strip. It felt good to be with them and have fun, meaningful experiences together.
This is the first time in my adult life where I felt free to do everything that I wanted to, without fear of repercussion or consequence. I didn't act recklessly the entire vacation, but I will say I had some inebriated fun. When I chose for myself and acted on my desires, I had an amazing time. I wasn't bothered while walking the strip; then I realized, everyone comes to Las Vegas to have their own fun. It felt good embracing myself in this way, and felt even better knowing I have friends and loved ones to lean on if I need support. There's lots of comfort knowing this is the life and world I cultivate now.
- - - - -
Pure Rooms Simple Path
Prime Push so Temporal
Poor Timer Shapes Plum
Purple Metamorphosis
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