You all might hate me after this but… I HATE Vegas.

It’s one of the most depressing destinations I’ve ever been to. I have to go there for business every year.

The first time I went I felt suicidal. It seemed so incredibly depressing. The day I got there, I had  the combo of seeing a crippled man gambling at 7am in the lobby of my hotel, scattered prostitution cards all over the sidewalk and crazy/drunk American tourists who fly to Vegas because they think they can capture a European experience/gambling extravaganza by going to the  Paris and the Bellagio hotels. It just seems like the worst parts of American culture rolled up into one city.

Upon reflection, it’s probably because Las Vegas’ founding is based on the commodities of gambling, prostitution and alcohol.

When I arrived this time, I was talking to my cab driver from the airport and asked her if she liked Vegas. She was a mild mannered, sweet woman from Iran. I was surprised she had moved there, it seemed like a crazy culture shock for her. Anyway, her response was, “I hate it, too many crazy people, gambling people and lost people. I can’t wait to leave.” That’s exactly how I feel!!

Upon reflecting on this, I’ve decided to list the 3 worst countries/cities I’ve traveled to followed by my favorite 10 places to visit.

Worst

1. Las Vegas

2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

3. Moscow in winter

Favorites

1. Venice

2. Tanzania Masai Mara

3. Iceland

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

5. Berlin

6. Krakow, Poland

7. Prague

8. Istanbul

9. Damascus Syria (not currently)

10. Beijing