Blog Post #6

When we think about Las Vegas, underground storm tunnels don’t necessarily come to mind. What comes to mind is the flashiness and social aspect of the nightclubs, casinos, restaurants and more that Las Vegas tends to be known for. The speaker, Burke, follows a man named Matt Obrien who gives us an insight into this uncharted, underground world of Las Vegas that he has an obvious passion for. The tunnels create a different atmosphere from the hustle and bustle on ground level. A whole society exists within these storm drains. Obrien even tells us of a time he came across children’s toys leading him to believe that even families with small children find themselves amongst this world. Obrien visits these tunnels frequently, even after the publication of his book about this unexpected society, and touches the lives of the people who live in them through donations of food, clothing, and even a simple conversation to better their day. Obrien’s discoveries draws to our attention the idea that there exits more than what we can see on the surface.

Burke notices the tunnels hold a great importance in the eyes of Obrien and makes the remark that “the tunnels have become a sort of refuge for him too, from the city.” (Burke) This idea of the tunnels feeling as an escape from the large city of Las Vegas truly caught my attention. It is true that everyone deserves an escape from the chaotic lives we live. For Obrien, being among the people and the atmosphere the storm tunnels nurture is this place of escape. The insight we are given into Obrien’s passions for this society creates a deepened perspective of the world around us. Though our education on this unexpected culture we wouldn’t typically consider we are able to take a step back from the pace of life we are unfortunately entwined in. We are able to slow down and appreciate the lives of those who live differently then we do and as a result our respect for different societies of people is broadened.