Editor’s Note: I get asked a lot of random questions about what it is like to live in Las Vegas. I’ve been here for the better part of five years, and the questions never cease. This is an interview Lindsay — aka Hogga — from The Traveller World Guide recently did with me about life as a Las Vegan. She’s also the brains and talent behind the hilarious Web site, Chicken Chunk. The questions are hers, the cartoons are hers. The reality of life in Vegas? All mine. Special thanks goes out to the most recent Worst Date of My Life, because had I not messaged her to ask her to draw a cartoon of the experience (yes, it was that ridiculous), this little fun would not have happened. Hope you enjoy!
Hogga: Are you a stripper? If you’re not, why? I hear they make mad cash. I would take my shirt off for a free slice of pizza!
D: No, not a stripper … yet. Although, now with the whole work-for-me thing (I recently quit my job), it could definitely be a possibility. I used to tell people I was a stripper when they asked me what on earth I did for work in Las Vegas. After they shot me that “yeah, whatever” look, I’d always fess up and say I was in PR.
H: How are you not dead yet? Or in more proper terms, do people who LIVE in Vegas party all the time or is that just the tourists?
D: Some of us party like we’re tourists. Most of us don’t. I’ve definitely have my days/nights of debauchery, followed by the misery of being hungover, wishing I was anywhere but Vegas. For the most part, us Las Vegans are pretty smart and know our limits in terms of no last call, free entry to the clubs and all of the other hook-ups you get as a local. Those who do party all of the time and live here a) work in the industry; b) refuse to get past the college party years, even though they are well past college age; c) have a death wish.
H: Do you live on the strip? Or above a strip club?
D: I actually live on Las Vegas Blvd., but not what is considered The Strip. Although I tell everyone it is for dramatic effect and general awesomeness.
H: Do you get yelled at my prostitutes on the street like in the movies? You’re totally friends with a transvestite aren’t you?
D: I don’t get yelled at by the prostitutes, but I do get harassed by the people pushing the escorts on The Strip. Sadly, I have no trannies in my life right now.
H: I tried to get some free shit from Vegas for when I go there in June. But they said “No, we hate you”. Why Vegas no like me? Do you get free shit?
D: I’ll get you free shit. Or, close to free shit with my magic key card for a bar that gives us pretty decent deals. Why do they hate you? I love you. They’re on crack.
H: I have a gambling problem. Seriously I’m not allowed to bring my cards with me when I go to the Casino. Living in Vegas, are you a pro? If so, could you give me some tips on how to not loose all my money?
D: Yeah, don’t gamble.
H: What are the guys like in Vegas? I’m single and easy when I’m drunk.
D: Oh, dear god. Guys in Vegas are a breed all of their own. I went on a date recently with one dude from another country (who had been here for 15 years). He rolled up to the bar super late, wearing sunglasses and a dirty, smelly suit and then proceeded to tell me all about himself for 90 minutes. When it came time for the bill, he acted all innocent and asked me what the protocol is for dates in America. Dick. And then there are others who aren’t that bad … but for the most part, this town is slim pickings. I always joke with my parents that if I want to get married and have kids, Las Vegas isn’t the place for me. But, I do like it here. In fact, I have at least 25 reasons why I love Las Vegas.
H: Is Vegas expensive? I’ve been told if I act like a high roller I’ll get lots of free stuff. But I’m a pretty bad liar and kinda lazy.
D: If you’re a high roller (or pretend you are), then you get heaps for free. Vegas can be expensive, but it can also be dirt cheap. Stick with me, Hogga, I’ll show you the ropes of cheap Vegas and how to survive a Vegas vacation.
H: If I came to Vegas, other than obviously wanting to wine and dine me, plus see me neked, what’s would you take me to do?
D: Hmmm. I’d take you downtown to the hipster bars and artsy stuff, out of town for fresh air and killer views, and to see “Absinthe” because it’s a nice mix of raunchy good times, roller skating and boobs.
H: Question is the lastest – what would you feed me? I like food and I demand a good meal.
D: Whatever you want. My current favorite place is Le Thai in downtown Las Vegas. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food. Or, I’d take you to one of the restaurants I used to do PR for to get a cheese plate, wine and oysters. Game?
D Travels 'Round 
This is too funny. The illustrations are priceless. I should do a post about what it’s like living in the South. No, I’m not missing teeth. No I’ve never dated my cousin. No I didn’t vote for George Bush.
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Haha, I would love to read that!!
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I would draw it!
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OMG AMAZING.
I love Lindsay’s illustrations. And her questions can’t be beat!
Also, I wanna see the hipster bars in LV!
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Haha, right?!?! Adam — you want me to do something on hipster bars? For you, I do it.
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Hillarious! my favourite was the “cheese look”
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Hogga is amazing. 🙂
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For realisies I’m gonna be jealous …..you AND Hogga? Look away as I cry. I loved this interview.
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Awwww. No crying. Love you, babe!
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@Roy… my love for cheese is like a dirty sexy affair that you just can’t stop.
Thanks @Adam… I want to see any bars really
@Mica, you’ll be okay, we will get naked together one day
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Haha…funny stuff:)
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Guess I need you as a tour guide in Vegas.
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Surely! I LOVE being a tour guide!! Just, no clubs. 😉
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Sooooooooo cute!! I confirm everything D said about dating here being the worst!!
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But I’ll still get laid right? lol
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It’s definitely a possibility!!
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The. Worst.
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Haha… Now I want to see a follow up post after you guys hang out in Vegas.
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That is a FANTASTIC IDEA! I never even thought of it. You’re smart. I like you.
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Oh gawd. I think, when you come here, I am going to pull a gag order. 😉
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Bwahahaha! I grew up in Vegas so these questions are all too familiar to me! I’ve been asked if I lived in a hotel and if my teachers were strippers…
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I remember when the Monte Carlo caught fire a few years ago … I had people messaging me to make sure I was OK, even though I didn’t even work on The Strip, let alone at the hotel!
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I think they really just wanted to know if YOU are a stripper Aaron… and where you work as one haha.
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This is absolutely hysterical!
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Hogga rocks!!
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I got some pizza…
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Ahahaaaa! Now you just need to come to Vegas!
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Ya, now all you need is a plane ticket. I think this might become a costly flashing for you.
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Haha this interview is awesome! Though I think Vegas locals probably get asked these types of questions quite a lot!
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I started a list for another blog post a bit ago. The questions are HILARIOUS!
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Yeah I don’t envy you guys at all, dating in Las Vegas must be ridiculously tough,
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Oh god, it SUCKS.
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Hilarious! My best friend lives in Vegas, and it kills me how many people think that means she spends all her time partying on the strip. Your date sounds awful!
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I think I would die if I lived in Vegas.
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Ha ha!! You would NOT die. 🙂
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The date was awful. Hilarious once I was done with it. But, in the moment, I kept kicking myself for not going to the bathroom and sneaking out!
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I lived in Vegas for a while and I’m not a party person or a gambler. In fact, I went to church in Vegas more than I do now. Ha! People always look at me strange when I mention how much I liked living in Vegas.
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I’m the same. I much prefer sitting with friends at home with wine than going out and raging/dropping big bucks.
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This is hilarious! I love Hoggs–and you!
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Take off your shirt and tell me that! BUHA!
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🙂 You, too!
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Hilarious!
Oh, the questions I have been asked about living in Detroit…. They’d be funny if they all weren’t so thick in irony.
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I bet. You should do a post with Hogga!
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Hilarious interview!
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Haha! Thank you!!
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Great interview!
I want to go to that Thai place.
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Thanks! Well, when you are in town, and if I am here, I am happy to take you!! I’m still bummed I didn’t get to see you last time you were in town.
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This is pretty hilarious. I feel like your life would be complete if you had a few trannies looking out for you. And yes Vegas is the place where you can find most of the people who are way past their college years and still act like they can do a 5-minute keg stand without dying.
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My life would be complete! 😉 You have no idea — I know people older than me who would very likely be the first to volunteer for a keg stand or worse. This town is filled with those experiencing the Peter Pan Syndrome.
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Loved the post and of course, the random drawings from Hogga!
Las vegas is a great place, but can’t imagine living there!
Also : Those escort card guys on the strip are so annoying!!
Duncan
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Haha!! I know!! Those hand slaps against the cards … the crowds … although one day I do want to do a hooker trading card thing. Living in Vegas is a lot like living in any other suburb … but with no last call.
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