I’m overlooking – in the distance the Las Vegas airport – from our Paris hotel room. The Eiffel towers stands just on the other side of these walls – a replica of the original. At first I was less pleased with the view of air-conditioning units and the soft rumble of a plane landing or taking off but honestly, it’s a sense of calm compared to what lies just below us on the casino floor or out on the strip. Being from NYC – “the city” – I had expected to handle bright lights, crowds of people, slot machines and Corona beer with limes everywhere – but maybe I underestimated what Vegas had to offer. I was utterly taken back by the sheer size of the hotels, casinos and general environment. Obi and I spent a few hours walking around yesterday so that I could see what it’s all about. Going in and out of the the Paris Las Vegas into the Bellagio and then Caesar’s Palace – is like a true odyssey. The whole network of pedestrian traffic shuttles you and in out of these hotels and casinos coxing you with every bit of energy to gamble or spend money. Pedestrians walk over pedestrian bridges so you have no choice but to go in and out of the hotels. There is hardly a surface area without an advertisement – you are inundated with ads for food (mostly steaks and burgers), alcohol, naked people (mostly women), gambling, and so much high end designer clothing. Vegas is certainly the place to spend money, and lot’s of it if you were so inclined. Obi bought a Gatorade from a cafe on the casino floor paying nearly four times as much for one, as from the gas station just outside the strip. The casino ceilings are painted with blue skies, clocks are absent and the restaurants serve breakfast 24 hours a day so it’s easy to lose any sense of time. Money is thrown away like trash – thoughtless and constant. While eating dinner we heard a few loud group cheers from deep inside the casino floor – they probably beat the odds and actually won something. I did have the chance to see the famous Bellagio water fountain show – we happened to be walking by when the first one was scheduled to begin, noticing people gathering with their cameras in hand. Water propels so high in the sky and with a breeze blowing there were multiple times we were sprayed – ah freshly chlorinated water all over me – haha, yes it was hot outside, very hot and the droplets were refreshing but who knows what is in that water. As per a recommendation from a dear colleague and friend from work – we booked tickets to visit the Neon Museum. This is not the typical show one might expect when visiting Vegas – but well worth the tour. We had a nighttime guided tour – so that we could see the historical neon signs restored and lit up in all their glory. The museum entrance is inspired by one of the oldest signs they have in their boneyard collection – like a concha (shell in Spanish). The tour walks you through their boneyard to see signs that have been donated to the NFP museum. Most of the signs are in their “resting place” – waiting to be restored or repurposed for parts. Historical landmark signs are lit up – bright and glowing. One of their featured signs was, Moulin Rouge, which was one of the first signs designed by a woman – using her original font for the lettering. Moulin Rouge was also first racially integrated club in Vegas which set the course for all clubs and casinos to come. I also found the old Sassy Sally sign to be interesting given the subliminal messaging they used turning their “s” in a subtle dollar signs – for the early 1930’s this was groundbreaking. We learned about the process for making neon mixing the gasses neon and argon together to make different colors – and the glass blowing technique to shape the tubes. They also had a Hard Rock Cafe sign which they raised $350,000 to restore to a working condition. Being so close to these relics also gave you a sense of size – these signs are huge! When you see them mounted on a building it’s not as obvious – or noticeable – how large they are – but here laying on the ground you can truly feel their gerth. If you were interested you could Google the Neon Museum and using the satellite view – see the original skull used for the Treasure Island casino (this casino is now just called TI because they found too many families were coming with their kids and the adults weren’t gambling enough – so they changed the name to discourage parents from bringing their children). The fiberglass skull is fragile and so they have to display it laying down – the skull can be see staring right up at you through the satellite image – very fun! Try it. Upon leaving the North Rim of the GC – I was wondering about and feeling upset imagining I may never see such a beautiful place again. I was comforted by the idea that we may return one day in our older age – like many of the people we saw for another visit. Leaving Vegas will not induce these feelings – I don’t have any hesitation about leaving and not never returning.
I do want to end this post though with my most memorable experience of the day – hiking to the TOP of Angel’s Landing. Yes – the Franimal was in her truest form this morning. She woke up at 5 am – it was dark outside and cool. After a quick morning routine she was out the door and power walking her way to Zion for their first shuttle of the day. She was heading back to Angel’s Landing for revenge – a moment to conquer the summit. Despite her efforts to catch the first shuttle there were many people already on line and so she caught the forth shuttle which only put her 10 minutes behind schedule. Most of the folks there at such an early hour were headed to two places, Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. Items like wooden walking sticks and water boots made it easy to distinguish between the two groups. She exited stop six – waited to use the restroom once more and started her march. She knew that most of the folks ahead of her would be passed – with her quick gate and steady breathing. As she mentioned in her post yesterday – this hike is labeled as streanouse and expected to take about four hours to complete. Beginning phase one she found a very strong rhythm in her step and passed each person in her way. Often needing to mutter politely “on your left” or “on your right” so as to not startle the hikers on their way. The path on the switchbacks is narrow and at some points with a deep drop so you need to be mindful of the safety of those around you while passing. She passed folks who she’d see board the first shuttle – when this happened it was hard to hide the grin across her face. She completed phase one in 22 minutes and practically skipped through the transition phase along the back of the mountain to the second set of switchbacks, phase three. There was not a moment to stop and take a photo – being the second visit in 24 hours – she had already taken her pictures the first day. The was a revenge hike and so only one thing mattered – reaching the top as fast as she could. Step, puff, lunge, step puff lunge, her pattern repeated until the final set of very tight switchbacks was completed and she stood at Scout’s Pavillion by the 34 minute. A quick glance at her watch, some sips of water from the camel pack and a moment to bang out the sand from her shoe treads and phase three was initiated, the “chains.” Without even stopping to look down at the drop – which is deadly – she grabbed hold of the first link and began her march. Now this section is tricky for many reasons – most obviously the danger factor. It is dangerous – very (Obi did share with me upon my safe return that since the year 2000, 13 people have died on this trail). But less obviously you are truly working together with other people – given the nature of the “one way street” you need to “dance” with folks going up and down and notice their own coordination, balance, fear, grit. The Franimal had to slow her pace at times given the father and two sons ahead – but when she reached a landing of sorts it was a good opportunity to pass. It was at this moment she found herself in front of a woman – who she soon learned their name, Kendra. Kendra struck up a conversation, asking about the trail shoes she had on (Solomon’s – the best!). Kendra and The Franimal became fast friends – and like the lyrics of a song Obi and I listened to “From strangers to friends” we were chatting for the rest of the hike. We ended up behind a couple who was heading up with a steady pace and so we made our way to the summit together. There was only more section along this incredibly steep route where the Franimal actually questioned her own safety passing over a very narrow bridge like pass with only a chain to hold. The path was narrow enough for two human- feet and a drop on both sides. That moment was truly intense – but again, with such a laser focus – there was hardly a moment to imagine what could happen. We talked about how when reaching the summit we would snap a quick picture and power our way down. We both did not want to get stuck waiting for hundreds of people coming up given it’s so tough to navigate the chains with two way traffic. I attached below the quick photo taken with a cell phone of the stunning valley below. The sun was behind us – offering her light to the land. When the Franimal took the final step to the summit – she felt a heavy sense of vindication and accomplishment – having reached the top in about an hour and 10 minutes. A bird call to celebrate was needed and a roar to leave her mark. She applauded the other folks you made it there as well – offering a sense of cheer and community amongst this group if wild travelers. A mentioned – we took a few photos and the Franimal was ready to descend. We were determined to make our way down and so as a pair it was easier to weave in an out of groups that were heading up. I should mention that as we headed up only one couple passed us on their way down. So I had to imagine that Kendra and I were the next set of people making their way down for the day which meant that everytime we passed a group of people they asked us, “How much longer?” with a look of desperation in their eyes, or “You’re done already – wow, your fast. Is it scarier as you go?” or “Are there more chains?” or “Is the top crowded?” We answered each one with a positive cheer, accurate information and dispelled any myths folks might’ve had. Down, down, down we went and before we knew it – we had reached Scout’s Pavillion and headed to the switchbacks. The Franimal completed her hike in exactly 2 hours and 4 minutes – ha! Her truest beastly self came out – determined, unphased and passionate.
Obi and I listened to an interested podcast from the TED interview, driving from Zion to Vegas – it was about the idea of grit: perseverance and passion over a long period of time. The psychologist Angela Duckworth spoke about how she came to understand what makes someone successful – her conclusion, grit (be mindful I am summarizing greatly here). Grit is a stronger factor in determining your success in life than your IQ. The perseverance and passion over a long period of time – can it be taught? Is it learned? Are you born with it? What about the circumstances a person faces and how does this impact their ability to demonstrate true grit? We listened and wondered about these questions – and I couldn’t help but think about my students and the children and teachers I have worked with over the years. Those who demonstrated grit – and those who struggled to – and why. I also couldn’t help but wonder about the Franimal and the range she felt not completing Angel’s Landing the day prior and what drove her to feel such a strong need to go back for a second time – to summit the mountain, and complete what she had started. Why couldn’t she be satisfied with almost getting there? Is her determination wild, reckless and uncensored? Is it dedication? Is is passion and perseverance? Is it grit?
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