subject: Barbers In Shopping Malls, Nostalgic, And Comforting [print this page] On a recent trip to Las Vegas, hours were spent wandering the interior malls of the casinos. They are enormous and offer everything imaginable from the latest trends in clothing, live fashion shows, high-end boutiques, fine dining, stunning architecture, specialty stores and even an old fashion barber shop.
While not a fan in any sense of Las Vegas, actually on a scale of places to visit, it would come in dead last; there is a plethora of shopping to experience. The shopping is mostly kept inside the casinos, which are built like labyrinths, stealing a line from Hotel California, "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". They are difficult to navigate, and almost impossible to get out of.
Caesars Palace host the Forum with baths and spas, salons, Garden of the Gods Pool, fine dining, thirteen restaurants, 160 boutiques and shops, and entertainment. It was recently expanded with and additional 175,000 square feet. Not for the faint of heart of for those with tired feet.
Along with the Forum, Caesar's Palace is home to Appian Way, shops with a life-size replica of Michelangelo's David in the center. They shops are very expensive with the finest apparel, art and jewelry.
The Venetian Casino also offers extensive shopping along the Grand Canal. You stroll along the cobblestone walkway, as authentic Italian gondolas glide by complete with serenading. While strolling along the shops, mostly window shopping, and dreaming of being wealthy enough to buy the wares offered in the galleries, we came across today's version of an old fashion barber shop.
Of course, there were differences from yesteryear. While the barbershops of past were manned by men, today's versions employ pretty women. The women use the latest in technology while using a straight edge razor. The pre shave products, lathering, blades, brushes, and aftershave are all designed for a smooth, close, pain free shave. It was interesting to watch someone shave with a straightedge razor, a first for most in our group. It was a nostalgic moment even though none had ever witnessed or participated in the process before.
Shopping, dining, strolling, sight seeing, trying to avoid too much site seeing (if you catch the drift) in Vegas is an interesting proposition. Along with all the nudity, vulgarity, indecency, lewdness, gaudiness of the city, here was a little oasis of old fashion living. A barber chair, pre shave lotion, lathering, and shaving. It seems out of place in this city and at the same time somewhat comforting.
