Northern Nevada

Wow - I didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted! I should remedy that...

So a lot of folks have been asking what Reno and Northern Nevada is like. I can only offer my own insights here, but think it may be time to do so.

First of all, Reno is unique that it is a blend of both desert and mountains. It is dry, cold at night, and warmer during the day. It is wonderful to be back in the mountains again - and they are especially pretty with the snow on them. However, my body doesn't seem to like the altitude - I don't feel like I've been able to breathe properly since I got here. There is also a phenomenon called "Tahoe Throat" that has plagued all the performers, from Sinatra on down to my own cast. You always feel like you have something stuck in your throat, and seem to constantly be clearing it. Makes it real fun for singers.

The towns I've been in so far are Reno and Carson City. Both are smaller than you would imagine, and charming in their own way. Neither of them seems to understand the concept of clearing snow off sidewalks, however, which is dead annoying. The other really irritating thing about Reno is that no one picks up after their dog - I mean no one. There is a grassy area around the corner (and a few sidewalks, too) that look like pure dog poop. Yes, ewwww.....

Downtown Reno is primarily casinos, liquor stores and tourist shops. It is a tad on the seedy side (the loss of tourism has really hit hard here), and often feels sad to me. The locals, however, are some of the most delightful people I have met. The folks at the local UU church go out of their way to make me feel welcome and at home, and the crew I work with is top-flight. A little cliqueish at times, but great.

Carson City isn't quite as friendly, but a lovely place to spend a day. The capitol building is not to be missed, and I had the best (and most expensive) pizza of my life at a little place called B'Sghetti's on the main drag while killing time for the bus to go back to Reno.

I have to say, it's not a place I would have come intentionally, but I am glad I am here, and I am happy that I will have friends to see whenever I am back this way.