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America
represents such an overwhelmingly vast patchwork
of often wildly disparate possibilities for the
prospective visitor that deciding where to start
really can be an intimidating prospect. In the
end it probably comes down to what you want from
your visit because this epic nation really does
have it all.
The multiplicity of subcultures crammed into
this vast land means that even a single state
can offer as much variety as some countries can
muster in their entirety. Take California, a
state which contains within its boundaries such
remarkable diversity, both cultural and
physical, that a thorough tour taking in
everything from the arid deserts of the south to
the brisk, verdant terrain bordering Washington
State might not feel too dissimilar to a round
the world trip.
We’ve compiled a summary of three of our
favorite cities in the hope of providing some
sort of entree into this mind bogglingly varied
nation:
Las
Vegas
On visiting Vegas for the first time it quickly
dawns on you that it really is exactly how you
imagined it would be - a huge plastic tribute to
American consumerism and shallow cultural
simulation. Money is in gaudy evidence
everywhere, from the quarters silver haired
gambling addicts pump blankly into the millions
of slot machines to the brazenly unsubtle
displays of wealth favored by the hordes of
Prada clad nouveau rich to the stupefying excess
of the casinos themselves.
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| Take The Venetian, a
$1.5 billion casino/resort that attempts to
recreate the streets of Venice, complete with a
canal that winds through the casino and shopping
mall and is (inevitably) traversed by singing
gondoliers. There is surprisingly convincing
mock Venetian architecture, a Titian-esque sky
painted on the vast ceiling for that Truman Show
fake environment vibe and a liberal sprinkling
of Renaissance style frescos.
Whatever your take
on the Vegas experience it’s hard not to be
awed by the overwhelming spectacle of it all
and, for a few days at least (anymore and you
may find your grasp on reality is beginning to
slip), there really are few more fun and
exciting cities to visit.
Los Angeles
It’s probably foolish to attempt a succinct
summary of LA and, likewise, highly unlikely
that a short visit will do this sprawling
collection very distinct districts any sort of
justice. |
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| The clichés
are easy of course - LA is La La Land, a city built on
dreams and fantasy, where impossible glamour veneers
an all too real underbelly of rough edges and
disappointment , where Hollywood sparkle flickers
seductively across a surface of smog and traffic that
stretches out into a seemingly endless suburban mass. Perhaps
it’s best not to bother trying to deconstruct the
‘City of Angels’ thoroughly self mythologized
image, for the tourist LA is most likely a more
manageable section of metro area at the heart of the
city – Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly
Hills, Downtown. The itinerary seems likely to include
such quintessential LA sites as Hollywood Boulevard,
mansion gawping in Beverly Hills, window shopping in
Rodeo Drive, hitting a beach or two, a rambling drive
along Mulholland Drive or up to Malibu and, for those
anxious to cram in a little culture a visit The Getty
Centre. All this might not get you any closer to
really understanding this chimera of a city but, hey,
what do you expect, this is LA after all. |
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Washington
Washington, DC, the home of US government, is a
fascinating city and a must-see for anyone interested
in politics and the progenitors of American democracy.
Many of the places of interest are free, including
what must surely be the first stop for any visitor to
DC - the White House. The tours operate every day
except Sunday, and bookings must be made well in
advance.
The
Smithsonian is a remarkable achievement, comprising
sixteen museums including the National Portrait
Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History,
whose dinosaur and wild animal exhibits are a
perennial favorite with children of all ages. As well
as free admission, all of the Smithsonian museums are
linked to the metro system, ensuring that budget
travelers can still have a real experience in the city
without spending too much.
The National Zoo is hugely popular with children, and
is also linked to the metro. It's newest addition,
baby panda cub Tai Shan, is sure to be a huge draw for
the Zoo - another attraction which the city offers
free of charge. Washington DC offers a genuinely
educational experience for all who come to visit.
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Article
By Roberto Raffa |
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