Bombs in the desert

Las Vegas is weirdly wonderful, and if you know where to look, full of surprises.  Even my sister, a resident here since the 1970's, never visited the Atomic Testing Museum.

The museum is a government-looking building, near the madness of The Strip.

Inside is a first rate collection of artifacts, film, photographs and exhibits dedicated to that surreal time when the U.S. and Russia each had a finger on the button of annihilation.  In the 1950's, the desert around Las Vegas became a test ground for nuclear weapons.

And you think Putin is a tough guy? In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev said, “Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.”

 

The day started with breakfast on the patio, then a short scenic drive in the desert.

And finished up with everyone's favorite dinner, pasta with shrimp and fresh tomatoes.  Here's Marji and dad tucking in.