Other than a cake at the office, I’ve never celebrated my birthday before. 35 seemed like one worth celebrating. As the timing happened to nearly line up with visiting a friend, it seemed like the perfect two in one celebration.
My adventure started with a connecting flight that was delayed an hour and a half sitting on the plane. 😐 Being an early to bed, early to rise person and losing three hours, let me tell you that it felt LATE getting in, even for the city where time ceases to have meaning. And holy cow, the Las Vegas airport is a little confusing if you don’t know that you have to get on the tram to exit the building. 😅 (“No ma’am, I’m not trying to get to a gate, I’m trying to exit to ✨outside.✨” 💀)
If you aren’t a big gambler, (I didn’t gamble at all) staying at a hotel that isn’t also a casino is really nice. I stayed at the Vdara, which was very fancy 💁♀️, really quiet, and big bonus- no smoking! The room and the view were absolutely incredible. I did a little work while I was there, a let me tell you, I did not mind at all with that view to look out at. Growing up in a valley, surrounded by mountains, I felt really nostalgic and a little homesick looking out at the open blue sky and big mountains in the distance.
And the windowsills were clearly designed to be climbed on. I mean, come on. Why else would you make them that wide? Although not quite wide enough for both of my hands to be spread open and next to each other. I made it work though.
I also really need a tub like that in my life. And the shower. Is this the real indicator that I’m getting older? How much I envied that bathroom? 🤣
Now, if you all know me, you know that I love food. It is usually THE biggest factor in my vacation plans. Vegas did not disappoint. Gordon Ramsey burger has me a little upset though. I genuinely do not know what they got their burger to hold together and still have such a light texture. Maybe it has to do with the grind? I just know that I want another. And it was perfectly cooked and tasted flame cooked the perfect amount at the edges. I’m literally drooling thinking about the truffle fries. I would have eaten a gallon of that sauce if I had the physical room in my stomach to hold it.
The patisserie at the Aria was amazing. I got a smoked salmon crepe, which had just the right amount and combination of garnish to hit all of the flavor notes. I also had a few pastries, and they were all delicious. Most highly recommended is the nutella filled brioche. It was so light, with just the right amount of flavor in the bread and went so nicely with the nutella filling.
Quite a few people asked me what I do in Vegas if I’m not gambling or indulging in 🍸🍸 all day. (Don’t get me wrong, I did have a few, lol) In all honesty, walking around the casinos is a lot of fun. Stumbling on a spot and grabbing a snack, seeing the interesting and unique decorations, people watching, had to sneak in a little public display of asana, my days were filled.
One evening I went to a Cirque show- Mystere. I have lost track of how many of their shows I’ve seen now. Once in Las Vegas, and it seems like I was going to their traveling shows every year for a while. They never cease to amaze me. As the years go by and I pick up new interests and skills, I find more and more appreciation for these performers. Right after I started pole, there was a pole performer at a show that I attended. It gives you a entire extra level of appreciation and humbleness to see these artists pull off moves that you first hand know how difficult they are, because you can’t even dream to do them. 😂 This performance had a pair who did, what I would call acro yoga, and they were both so strong. I was really glad that I had good seats to see that up close.
Another first for me- I went to a night club. Marquee. I guess it is an exclusive kind of place? 🤷♀️ I just happened to have some cool friends to tag along with. Definitely interesting in the time of Covid. Fortunately, they had an outside area and I was able to embarrass everyone around me with my nerdy dancing for a bit before heading back to my hotel to call it a night.
Not a bad birthday bash. I think I might have to do something again next year.
MoveMint Yoga 