Does anyone out there have the bad habit of going ape shit crazy the first night of a vacation?  Hello Las Vegas!!

If you follow me on FB, you may have read that I walked out of Sin City with actual cash dollars in my pocket! That is a novelty indeed. What is not novel, is me jumping up and down and pointing at all the delicacies awaiting me with a strong cocktail in my hand. What is novel, is the apparent really bad choice in footwear. What is not novel is the fact that I came prepared with a Swiss army knife and a packet of band-aids.

Got you hooked, yet? Thought so….

Ahhh, Vegas. The strip of land just east and south of the airport that entices people to do things they would hardly (operative word – hardly) do in their own back yards; especially if your car is shrink wrapped with a your logo AND a picture.  Anyhoo – as the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”  Well, not necessarily – I’ve got some nice little tidbits to share – as long as you enter your year of birth, you can continue reading.

We made a few runs to Reno and Vegas with my folks back in the day and it was always a dress-up affair and wonderfully exciting. To say the very least, things have changed! It seems the “great unwashed” have taken over the once elegant Caesar’s Palace in their crew shorts, a ball cap and a wife beater. Add to that ensemble a ½ gallon, plastic drink container strapped-on like a canteen and you’ve got a whole team of winners. I swore I wouldn’t succumb. Yes, the shoes were a bad choice but at least I dressed for dinner and the show – my mother would be proud.

A lovely room at The Bellagio was the perfect surprise to me.  Thank you Darling!  Although t-shirts and cut-off shorts were still in view, the atmosphere as a whole was timeless. Lunch time was nigh, I was hungry and thirsty so we opted for The Noodle – an unassuming Asian joint on the property. It smelled good and was filled with Asians – all things point to yummy.  We met Markus the manager. Markus is a native Malay/Chinese from SE Asia, a whiskey aficionado, and all-round funny guy.

Dim sum was flying by and he made sure we got the authentic goods. He suggested the Macau Iced Tea made with Sake, Takara Shochu, Midori, Bacardi Light Rum, Fresh Lemon Juice and Ginger Beer. It was nuclear green and very tasty! Dave was thrilled with the selection of Bao and I was tickled to see my beloved Xiao Long Bao on the menu. We pigged out, caught a slight buzz and shared some laughs with Markus…nap time!

Great mattresses and a big tub=Happy Heidi and all was well with the world.  There was just that one little thing tickling and nagging at the back of my throat which says, “You’re gonna be sick tomorrow – in a big way!”  Well, if I’m gonna be sick, might as well make it count. I’m ain’t no quitter.

After dressing for dinner, we grabbed the perfect table at La Fontana to watch the water show. So, there I was, sitting at a bistro on the shores of Lake Como, completely away and unaware of it all. The fountains dance occurs every 30 minutes and are well worth a wait and a watch!  We shared a few glasses of wine and this killer take on caprese salad with marinated peppers and artisan breads. Not bad for $250.00 bucks. Let’s go eat some more!

Todd English’s “Olives” just happened to have a few spots left open at the bar – lucky us – because we had 3 hours to kill until “Crazy Horse Burlesque” at the MGM Grand. The boys behind the bar: Bernie, Gilbert and the other cute one (brain freeze) were wonderful and really, really nice. Really, really nice in Vegas?  Novel!  Not to mention the service and the food which were exceptional! Asparagus, morel mushroom and prosciutto flatbread and a trio of tapenades with more tasty breads.  Nibble, nibble, drink, drink. Into the cab we went to MGM and Crazy Horse Burlesque.

I was completely unprepared and so wonderfully surprised by thisg show.  You have to see it to believe it AND appreciate it.  So, there I was, jumping up and down and pointing. This particular behavior pattern lasted for quite some time that night and into the morning.  I woke up all tingly, sober and sick as hell. After a quick and delicious breakfast by the pool, it was time for cold medicine and bed….all day long…….

Naturally, I rallied and that night, we had more food at Olive’s and Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. I wasn’t so impressed with Bobby’s Chile Relleno, but the dude next to me gave me a bite of his 24 ounce bone-in Rib-Eye. Nibble, nibble, drink, drink. From there we snagged some great seats and saw Matthew Goss put on a good show.  I did some dancing with my darling and, at  midnight, as per usual, I turned into a pumpkin and passed out.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and it was time to go home—but not before carrying on the family tradition! We picked up a $25.00 chip, placed it on the lucky family roulette number, spun the wheel and she paid out 35/1! I tipped the captain $25.00, we bought one last drink and bade farewell to the Strip.

Did I have fun?  Are you kidding?  Am I still sick – you betcha!  Did you get the whole story – no way in hell!!