What Happens In Vegas…

… Stays in Vegas.

I don’t love Vegas – I could really take it or leave it, but somehow this past weekend marked my fourth trip to Sin City – ironically my second while living in California (my first was with girlfriends in 2006 from San Francisco) and I went back twice from Toronto – once care of RH - thanks Max!! This was however, my first time driving to Vegas – an added element of intrigue, although the 5-hour trip was admittedly a lot more interesting on the way there, than coming back Sunday at 6am after only two hours sleep. Thank God I really LOVE my new car.

There are some great things about the city – it’s the best shopping anywhere in the world when it comes to selection and value (no sales tax) – it’s also close to the Grand Canyon which I was lucky enough to do a helicopter excursion to with my best friend in 2007 (we call it our honeymoon tour). But overall, it’s a city of excess… you see the best and worse of America. It’s hard to ignore the morbidly obese people settling in at the slot machines for the day, or walking along the strip drinking those bottomless New York New York Eiffel Tower sugar drinks - all praying to drastically change their circumstances. Girls wear dresses so short they’re probably shirts – men leer – and people gamble, drink, and eat way past their limits. WAY past. You also see people with more money than most people can imagine. The disparity is incredible. Kind of like LA in many ways.

Vegas is a city of entertainment – the shows are fantastic, I loved “O” when I saw it a few years ago, and I’d love to see The Beatles “Love” among others. They have some great performers. It’s also a city of little to no sleep – and aside from catching a few Z's poolside during the day, you’re pretty reliant on the bright lights and oxygen pumping Casinos to keep you going. That and the 24-hour Starbucks. You know something's wrong when there's a line after midnight...

Our 30 hour trip wasn’t all excess – we were lucky enough to hit the AVP (American Volleyball Professionals) Pro Beach Volleyball Tour – it was the “Best of The Beach” tournament – 3 days of some of the fittest and best looking athletes you've ever seen - all scantily clothed (very Vegas). It was cool watching a sporting event in Vegas of all places – and totally impressive. I’ve seen the AVP Circuit in Boston & Hermosa Beach – but there was something unique about the small intimate venue. I think being inches away from Kerri Walsh (two time Olympic gold medalist - 2004 & 2008), her husband (Casey Jennings) and their 5-month old adorable baby boy also helped. Now that’s something to love!!

k