As you all know, I was anticipating my trip home a great deal. It was just my luck that I could only book some crappy connecting flight to and from LAX to PHL. Needless to say, the actual trip didn't look too appealing, but I took care to make it go as smoothly as possible. I don't believe I've ever been more prepared to fly in my life. I packed all of my toiletries in the appropriately size containers with the little baggies; I rolled and organized all of my clothing carefully and fit everything into a single duffel; and I slipped on a small backpack to hold a few miscellaneous items. I was set.
To my dismay, I kept hearing rumors of delayed flights due to inclimate weather up and down the Eastern seaboard. Contrasting accounts spouted over the loudspeakers and finally, I heard the voice of reason. A few yards ahead of my I heard the raised voiced of young woman. Similarly, she was a young professional, a few tattoos, nose-ring and a beanie matching my own. As the words left her mouth, my heart sank: "We're delayed 6 hours in Vegas on the way to Philly?! Are you kidding?" Her candor to the unsuspecting stranger immediately revealed her Philly heritage (we have just a genteel way with words). Being the guy that I am, that is, someone who loves to complain. I jumped up, grabbed my things and rang to join her lament. After a few choice words with the inept attendant (who originally assured myself that there would be zero delays) we sunk onto the floor together and introduced ourselves.
Heather and I quickly bounded over our home city, our new jobs in the "industry" and our matching beanies. I told her that I'd never been to Vegas - but I wasn't looking forward to 6 extra hours in an airport. Her face went blank: "You've never been to Vegas!? Well ... then we'll go. It's settled." I looked at her confused, but she assured me that she would take care of everything. So we finally boarded our first flight home - also a few hours behind - and I sat in my very small seat and pondered if following a stranger into the City of Sin was such a good idea. After the quick flight, I hung out in the tarmac with my duffle in tow and waited, fidgeting, looking for Heather to come off of the plane. Finally she arrived and with a smile we were off.
We hopped in a taxi and made friends with the driver. In the short drive from the airport to the strip he suggested we drop our bags with his friend at Treasure Island - "he'll take care of you." I guess this weekend was about trusting humanity, because we entrusted out bags to the stranger as I ran off with another stranger.
Our first stop was the liquor store, then - pony bottles of wine in tow - we headed out for adventure. In the Fashion Pavilion snow lightly fell as Santa and his sexy helpers sang and danced down a huge runway in the center atrium. Heather and I could only laugh at the stereotype Vegas provided. We let, offering cheers and wine to one another as we walked past the lavish buildings. Next, we hit up the Casino at the incredible Wynn Hotel. I then proceeded to gamble for the first time. After a round of (free) drinks and a few slot machines, I sat at one of the black jack tables and bought in. I lost immediately; although the dealer told me I handled the hand exactly I should have. We spent the rest of our day stumbling around the hotel, running into wedding parties, hanging on in the indoor foliage and staring into the city lights.
Finally, as our final flight drew near, we scrambled back to Treasure Island and picked up our bags from our shady friend. A quick tip and wink and we were off to the airport. Luckily, you're allowed to drink in the airport to relieve stress - bc we definitely were stress free at that point. After a healthy dinner from Burger King, we boarded the plane. I promptly passed out and let the stupor close my eyes. About have way through the flight I awoke with a thirst so strong a camel would be proud. Here's the kicker, drinks all cost money on flights now. Needless to say, the airplane tap water tasted quite delicious.
And there you have it, my random adventure with a random stranger. It was quite the way to start my vacation. It's moments like these that make life worth living - taking things as they come and riding the wave. Thanks for my first trip to Vegas Heather! It was definitely one for the books.
We hopped in a taxi and made friends with the driver. In the short drive from the airport to the strip he suggested we drop our bags with his friend at Treasure Island - "he'll take care of you." I guess this weekend was about trusting humanity, because we entrusted out bags to the stranger as I ran off with another stranger.
Our first stop was the liquor store, then - pony bottles of wine in tow - we headed out for adventure. In the Fashion Pavilion snow lightly fell as Santa and his sexy helpers sang and danced down a huge runway in the center atrium. Heather and I could only laugh at the stereotype Vegas provided. We let, offering cheers and wine to one another as we walked past the lavish buildings. Next, we hit up the Casino at the incredible Wynn Hotel. I then proceeded to gamble for the first time. After a round of (free) drinks and a few slot machines, I sat at one of the black jack tables and bought in. I lost immediately; although the dealer told me I handled the hand exactly I should have. We spent the rest of our day stumbling around the hotel, running into wedding parties, hanging on in the indoor foliage and staring into the city lights.
Finally, as our final flight drew near, we scrambled back to Treasure Island and picked up our bags from our shady friend. A quick tip and wink and we were off to the airport. Luckily, you're allowed to drink in the airport to relieve stress - bc we definitely were stress free at that point. After a healthy dinner from Burger King, we boarded the plane. I promptly passed out and let the stupor close my eyes. About have way through the flight I awoke with a thirst so strong a camel would be proud. Here's the kicker, drinks all cost money on flights now. Needless to say, the airplane tap water tasted quite delicious.
And there you have it, my random adventure with a random stranger. It was quite the way to start my vacation. It's moments like these that make life worth living - taking things as they come and riding the wave. Thanks for my first trip to Vegas Heather! It was definitely one for the books.
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