I'm sitting in a Starbucks in the Aquarius Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, listening to some great straight-ahead jazz on the PA. I think it's Ornette Coleman Some woman who weighs about 400 pounds just ordered something like an orange no-fat macchiato. Go figure. I'm drinking a black coffee and nibbling on a banana nut muffin.
My brother-in-law, Ed, who lives in Orange County, Calif., is getting married here today (in Laughlin, but not in Starbucks. This is a strange world to visit. Casinos are not my style but it's fun to people watch. Laughlin is sort of a little brother to Las Vegas, but it's clean and comfortable. The hotel rooms are really nice and the prices are great.
We started in Vegas and drove to L.A. for a few days. We still have a little traveling to go. Most places gas is $385 to $3.99 but as we crossed the desert, we saw a place where unleaded regular was $4.69. One of Ed's friends told me he was on fumes and stopped at a place in the desert and gas was $5.59. Egads.
Well, gotta run. Be back soon.
Laughlin, Nevada
May 24, 2008