March 30, 2008 - Reflecting on Fantasy

Canon G7

This image of the base of a waterfall was taken in an area that contains few, if any, such cataracts. The rocks are real, as is the water, but the waterfall is definitely man-made. The color of the rocks isn't exactly "natural", either. Well, it's "real" in the sense that it's a real reflection of early morning light bouncing off the eastern side of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The hotel is covered with gold - tinted glass, so light reflecting off the building turns these normally drab rocks into something they're not.

Actually, waterfalls and canals and small lakes are big draws in Las Vegas. You'll find them not only at Mandalay Bay, but also at The Mirage, Wynn's, The Venetian, The Palazzo, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and even the somewhat run down Tropicana. Here we are in the middle of the desert and people seem to want to see water. Frankly, I don't get it. No matter where these folks come from, chances are there's more naturally occurring water there than there is here. It must be all part of that fantasy thing. Believe it or not, I've had people ask me to take their picture standing in front of - you guessed it - a waterfall like this one. Why not in front of a cactus or something? Why does it have to be water?