When in Vegas...

It just doesn't sound right to say "do as the Vegans do". But seriously, What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas?

Prior to last weekend we had never actually "done" Vegas. You're thinking, get out, no way- you've never done Vegas? Ever? And the answer is, we have never been to Vegas. Normally for my husband's birthday we try to get away from the heat and go somewhere cooler but this time we thought, what the heck? Let's go to Vegas!

We stayed at the Monte Carlo. Let me start off by saying that we did get a stealin' deal. I think the room was eighty bucks plus tax. On the strip! Everywhere else was upwards of two hundred so that made our decision pretty easy. The room was pretty nice- albeit maybe a bit dated. There should be some sort of cash for junkers tv trade in program. I couldn't believe that the hotel hadn't made the switch to LCD tv's in every room. Or maybe ours was just the last one left. Didn't really matter though- we weren't there to watch tv, we could do that at home.

We made arrangements for the girls to stay with my parents for the weekend (thanks Mom & Dad!) and checked in Saturday. Where, oh where do I begin?

Maybe I should start by saying we were apparently much too sober to be there. You need to blow a point one oh to even check in. It should be written in bold print before you confirm your reservation. I think that goes up to a point two oh just for admittance to the pool- but that part is coming.

We settled in our room after stupidly not being able to figure out the key card and the door. We don't get out much, cut us some slack. The nice housekeeper finally gave up making fun of us watching us to lend a hand and we got into our room on the eleventh floor. Actually, we thought the party was IN our room as soon as we opened the door as the music from the pool area was so loud. We stood in the window and looked down trying to figure out if there were any pool chairs left or if it was standing room only.

We had brought a cooler with us so we each had a frosty adult beverage and headed down to the pool. Apparently my husband is spoiled not used to packing for himself and he forgot his sandals in the car. We didn't want to trek all the way out for them so he wore his socks and sneakers with his swim shorts. It was classic. Like I said- we were much too sober to be there. If we had consumed the requisite alcohol we would have done as all the others were doing and walked barefoot from our room, through the casino, and out to the pool.

It all started when the elevator door opened to take us to the ground level. There was a man facing away from us in there with only his swim trunks on- no shirt. The doors opened and about thirty seconds went by before he turned around and walked out. That was when we noticed the very dazed drunk girl in nothing but a two piece that had apparently been leaning against the wall. Umm. We'll take the next one, thanks.

We got down to the pool and we tried another novice move. We had brought our little cooler. As if! Did I really think they were going to let us into the pool with our own alcohol? No way! Then they wouldn't be able to charge us eighteen dollars apiece for a beverage. Back up the elevator we went to deposit it back in our room. And to drink another frosty adult beverage.

By this time the sun was definitely beyond it's peak- I think it was around 3pm. We walked through the pool area twice before finding two lounge chairs that were not located right next to each other to sit in. We grabbed them quickly, deciding that the oversized, sweaty, hairy man between us was the lesser of the evils.

I will say this- the lazy river at the Monte Carlo was kind of neat. It reminded me much of the channel at Havasu- it was lined with people mostly with a constant stream of floaters going by. Everyone appeared to be having fun but again, just wish I was flat out drunk. Maybe then I wouldn't have noticed all the not very good looking people in their bare minimums.

I sure felt pretty good about my own mis-shape though! But it did leave me with iron some resolve to do something to get back in shape. We hung out at the pool for three hours or so and then decided to grab some food.

I had been salivating over the thought of a margarita from Diablo's so that was our first stop. Then we did what every good tourist should do.... We went to the buffet. Buffets just aren't what they used to be- didn't they used to be like 2.99? When did a buffet for two turn into forty five bucks? I can eat at a steakhouse for that price! At any rate, the food was fast, it was hot, and I must say, it was not bad. They had Mongolian BBQ which is my absolute favorite- and although it differed from the Mongolian BBQ that I am used to it was definitely tasty.

Unfortunately the eighteen dollar margarita caught up with me about a quarter of the way through and I had heartburn like I haven't had since I was pregnant. (No, I am not pregnant now). We cut the buffet short and hit the gift shop for some four dollar Rolaids. On our way we lost eight bucks in a slot machine and then we called it a night.

I know just what you are saying. Wow- sounds like you guys lived like Rockstars! Awesome! And although I was somewhat disgusted at the behavior of those around me I must say, I would probably do it again if I had the chance. I did have fun even if it doesn't sound like it. But for sure, the next time I do Vegas, I'm not going to do like the Vegans do, I'm definitely going to do like the tourists do!

Comments

[Kami]

I have been to Vegas once and probably will never go back. I think it's the insecurity in me. I couldn't handle by husband looking at the hot girls in their bikinis. LOL

I;m glad you had a good time. Happy birthday to your hubby!!!

Kami

[Minnie]

I'm glad you got to get away, even if it was "tourist-y."

[Paul C]

Well, a vacation is Vegas isn't the same when you live there. You're right about the level of intoxication, you should be completely drunk to enjoy and endure the Las Vegas Strip!

As for the Mongolian BBQ... Nothing compares to Mongolian BBQ in Big Bear, but that place is gone now too.

I hope all is well! Your children are getting big. Where has the time gone?

All the best,

Paul C

[dearjenn]

Right you are about Mongolian BBQ in Big Bear. I only wish they were still open the last time I was there... Ahh the good old days. Thanks for stopping by!

[Mrs M]

Sounds like you guys had some fun. It is so hard not being all grown up and sensible isn't it - even when you don'y have the kids with you!
Some good friends of ours are planning a trip to Vegas and asked us to go with them, I think they were gutted when my excitement was the possibility of meeting you and not seeing the 'strip' - oh well.......