I have a sister who lives in Las Vegas. She and my brother-in-law
recently finished building a house just south of the Strip.
When I mentioned to them this morning that Bob Stupak is at it
again, proposing a new Titanic-themed resort, my news was treated
like yesterday's hash. You see, the Strip has become their beat.
They know the ins and outs, the wheels and deals.
So, once I realized that my status as the family travel expert
had been momentarily usurped, I decided to shut up and listen.
Their information was great: Stupak's attempt to rebuild the
north end of the Strip, his other Las Vegas business interests, the
local community's skepticism about the Titanic project, they even
guided me to an editorial cartoon in the local paper poking fun at
Stupak's egomaniacal pursuits.
But I came out of the conversation with more than just the
inside story. I realized how valuable my contacts really are. Not
just those within the industry, but all of my far-flung friends and
family. They're the best possible sources of destination
information. And all I have to do is shut up and listen.