Viva Las Vegas

Welcome to the city that never sleeps!

Ahhhh….. less than 12 hours since arriving in Vegas and I already know why everyone loves to party here. This place is insane! But insane in a totally awesome, unique style of Vegas insane. There’s great food, pretty lights, and something to see and look at everywhere you go. Sure it’s easy to get trapped in the mazes that are known as hotel casinos here (Anne and I have already lost our way three times), but what you find and see while being lost is always kind of crazy. Love it!

I learned a thing or two on my flights yesterday.

1. Las Vegas is three hours behind Florida, not two. (this was an epic failure on calculating timing on my part)
2. A plane full of runners is an awesome one.
3. Flying to Ft. Lauderdale THEN Las Vegas from Tampa makes total sense to Southwest (hmmm)
4. Being the first to pick your seat is fun.

My flights were relatively quiet and uneventful. I talked it up with other runners, got some work done, and snacked on a string cheese right after my second take off.

Erin Baker’s had sent me a few samples of their breakfast cookies to try last week. They’re pretty dense and are about the calorie equivalent of a full size Clif Bar. They’re meant to be eaten as a quick breakfast on the go, but I thought one would also make a great large snack for the middle of my five hour flight.

My flight landed in Vegas at 7 (10pm Florida time), so I was holding off on eating dinner until then and needed something pretty filling to tide me over. I grabbed the gingerbread flavor and was immediately pulled in by the rich aroma of molasses and cloves when I opened the packaging. The cookie tasted like a fresh gingerbread cookie, it was amazing.

Besides the great taste, the cookie also did a great job keeping me full until I arrived in Las Vegas. It was the perfect inflight snack choice. 🙂

Once in Las Vegas I beelined it to the hotel and met up with my roomie for the weekend, the beautiful and adorable Anne P.

As soon as I walked in our room, I threw down my bags and Anne and I immediately headed to the strip to find the easiest dinner we could. Our bellies were ready to eat.

More than a few people had recommended The Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay. It was really just what we were looking for – casual, chic, and the promise of good food!

Upon arrival the hostess told us there would be a 45 minute wait (#fail) or we could grab a seat at the bar.

The bar it was!

In the opposites of all opposite, we each ordered two completely different burgers and decided to split them.

On the left is the Burger Bar Veggie Burger which was made of onions, lentils, pumpkin, and a few other delicious sounding things. It was a great veggie burger with a great bite. On the right is the Classic American Burger with ground beef and bacon on top. Anything with bacon wins in my opinion. I love veggies burgers, but I have a fondness for real burgers too. I thought it was a great balance to order both and share.

We also split a side order of sweet potato fries, which were soft in the inside, but nice and crunchy on the outside – the perfect fry.

What doesn’t go better with a burger than a dirty martini?

Only in Vegas, right? 😉

After dinner we decided to change into dresses that are wildly inappropriate to wear at home, but felt just right for partying on the strip.

We both felt like we were back in college again getting ready to go out. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve been dancing or to a club, but it was on my checklist for Vegas!

Anne and i very poorly navigated our way to The Venetian and met up with the lovely Michelle and Paula (Orlando represent!!) to dance the night away at Lavo.

Lavo was great! The drinks were pricey (to be expected), but the DJ was amazing and we just danced and danced and danced.

We finally crawled in bed around 2:00am Vegas time (5:00am Florida time!) with sore feet and smiley faces.

So. Much. Fun. 🙂