unchained03

Without the friend to visit, I never would have gone. Old Vegas was the best part of Vegas, and that was only because it was so rundown and gaudy, instead of new and gaudy.

The day trips outside of Vegas for hiking were MUCH better than the city itself. Sorry, Vegas. With my friend gone, I’m ever going back.

I’d never made it to Coney Island in the three and a half years I lived on the east coast, so when I went back to NYC for a few days in September, I decided to make it happen.

The season was over, so the entire part was completely deserted — except for the few people working on the rides. The boardwalk, on the other hand, was packed.

While I’m sure the rides would have been fun to see, I’m actually glad I went when everything was deserted — it makes it a little more real, if that makes sense. A bit creepy, more than a bit run-down, it felt like I’d stepped back in time.

Well worth the train from Manhattan.

Ours played an amazing show here in September of 2008. I’d impulsively bought a ticket and flew in from Chicago to go. I’d never done that before — just picked up and flown somewhere for a concert — and this was a place I’d always heard about.

Bottom line? Amazing. Worth every penny. Beautiful sound, beautiful space, and fairly-priced drinks for Manhattan.