Dear Travel Diary,
Fair warning – as I write this, I’m fully caffeinated.
It’s helping pull the frenzy of Las Vegas to the surface. It’s that confounding. From the time I landed at McCarron, I lost track of time. I lost sight of what day it was. I was overstimulated the entire duration of our trip, as it is literally an assault on the senses. In the end, it was one of those experiences I am thankful to have but not necessarily ready to repeat anytime soon. I would need a very specific reason to return.
(The Flamingo Hotel)
(With live Flamingos in its habitat area)
Still, there were a few firsts achieved:
-We stayed at the oldest hotel on the Las Vegas strip – The Flamingo.
-I saw the Hoover Dam.
-I stood in two places at once, as I “straddled” the state line between Nevada and Arizona.
-I explored one of the most beautiful state parks – the Valley of Fire. It reminded me a lot of Garden of the Gods in Colorado, but we were at Fire at sunset. I was completely astounded with the beauty of this place.
-I sat front row for a comedy show at Planet Hollywood.
-We ate at Wahlburgers, and if you’re aware of my childhood New Kids On The Block obsession, then you know this was a big moment for me.
-I tried Roulette, and walked away $5 ahead so I was satisfied.
-And I received my first exposure and early tutorials to Craps.
(The Fountains at The Bellagio)
***
Story Time!
I swear if Nick didn’t witness this, he nor anyone else would believe me – I was reverse pick-pocketed.
Do you know what that entails? It’s like pick-pocketing, but instead of taking something from someone, the picker gives something to someone.
On our last full day in Las Vegas, Nick and I took a walk through The Venetian. It’s a beautiful hotel, but that’s beside the point. The time had come to make our way back to our hotel to dress for dinner and a comedy show we had tickets to. Suddenly, this 4-person crowd starts hollering behind us.
“Ma’am! Oh my gosh, you have money literally falling out of your pockets!” (They all scored points for their dramatic performances.)
Confused, we turn around and I was not shy about the WTF expression on my face.
The $20 bill that was literally falling out of my back pocket was then pressed into my hand. Even Nick was like, What the hell?! Uhh, thank you?”
Still speechless, I put the bill in my travel wallet … where I kept my money the entire trip … because you know, THIEVES … so I know there is no way I would have put anything in a pocket or someplace that could be easily taken from me.
I never felt anything.
I never saw anything.
I have no idea what happened, other than I walked away $20 richer without having to play a game of chance.
***
Though I couldn’t call in to work “rich” on Thursday, at least Las Vegas didn’t live up to its other nickname – “Lost Wages.”
I did however, receive one of the best payouts on the planet. After landing at MSP, I picked up the kids from school after not seeing them since Saturday afternoon. Their smiles as they ran to me for a hug (even too-cool Landen) was the most rewarding part of the trip.
No comments