Have you ever known someone who was a terrible flyer but loved to fly? Chalk that up to one of my many quirks. I’ve always loved airports! In my younger days, I joked that I’d love to spend an afternoon sipping wine at the airport, soaking up all the hustle and bustle.
We got through security without being stopped or having our luggage searched. From previous experience, I’ve learned not to pack a corkscrew.
My first drink of the day was Starbucks, so I started off on the right foot.
The caffeine made me a bit edgy (note to self: skip the preflight coffee), so I quickly requested wine as soon as the flight attendant came by. It might even have been before 10 a.m. I might have been judged, but I don’t care. As we’ve already established, I’m not a good flyer. Apparently, Bruce was a little nervous about our first trip together, too, because he doesn’t drink much.
The flight wasn’t long, and before we knew it, we were being whisked away to pick up our rental car.
Although I didn’t take a picture, I was amazed by the landscape around Las Vegas. On one side of the road, a desert stretched out with actual tumbleweeds. On the other side, shopping centers lined the road. How bizarre!
We’re not going to get into too many details, but our rental car was the most hideous I’d ever seen. It reminded me of a white men’s work boot. I don’t even know what kind of car it was. If you know me well, you know I’m a car girl. This is one part of the trip I’ve tried to erase from my memory.
Once we climbed into the horrific “boot,” we headed into town.
The first sign I saw was the famous Las Vegas sign. Although I’d seen it in photos countless times, it was surprisingly crowded, so we didn’t stop. Looking back, that strikes me as funny because the entire city of Las Vegas was crowded. People-y doesn’t even begin to describe it.
And speaking of people-y, nothing could have prepared me for the Bellagio’s packed lobby. All I could see were people in sweatpants, grumpily checking out. My first impression was that the Bellagio was incredibly gaudy and that people were downright rude. I was already thinking this was going to be a long few days.
But Bruce learned something very quickly.
I am not good on my first day.
I build up such high expectations in my head that nothing could possibly live up to them. Bless his heart, Bruce was calm and understanding as he watched me navigate the deer-in-the-headlights phase of our arrival. I know this about myself, and I try to hide it, but it still happens. The first few hours after arriving somewhere new can be a little iffy for me.
I refused to take any pictures during those first few hours of exploring Las Vegas because I felt so dirty. I genuinely felt sinful just being there.
Yes, I realize how ridiculous that sounds now!
Let’s skip ahead to dinner.
After a shower (did I mention it was 120 degrees when we landed? If the heat didn’t do me in, Hell surely would), life was beginning to look a little brighter. Our room was gorgeous, far better than I’d imagined. I was beginning to feel much better about the adventure.
I had the cutest outfit planned for the evening. I bought a fun floral top from Shein, and it was surprisingly good quality. I paired it with a pleated satin skirt from Walmart and a new pair of sparkly Steve Madden shoes.
Although I was probably a walking advertisement for affordable fashion, I felt like a million dollars. And that, my friends, is one of the secrets to wearing black. I once read that if you’re going to buy inexpensive clothing, buy it in black. Somehow, it tends to look far more expensive than it actually is. I’m not sure who came up with that rule, but I’m happy to follow it!
We decided to eat at Mayfair, one of the hotel’s restaurants, and it was wonderful. I had coconut shrimp and enjoyed everything from the food presentation to the atmosphere. I was already starting to think this trip might actually work out.
We walked all over Las Vegas that night, and I quickly fell in love with the city. The lights had me mesmerized. And the fountains at the Bellagio? I took so many videos!
Then came the show.
We went to see O, and it was, without a doubt, the best show I’d ever seen in my entire life. I’d watch it again because I’m sure I missed details the first time. This was our big splurge for the trip, and it was worth every penny. Our seats were only a few rows from the stage, and the entire experience was mind-blowing.
It could have been the solo cup-sized glass of wine (which I didn’t even finish), but by the end of the show, I was in a very happy place.
Could it be? Was I actually beginning to fall in love with Las Vegas?
Afterward, we wandered around the Cosmopolitan and discovered a speakeasy hidden inside a barbershop. Most of the patrons seemed to be around our age, and we thoroughly enjoyed our drinks. It was such a fun little discovery and exactly the kind of unexpected experience I love when traveling. Bonus points if my drink is served in a pretty glass!
Back at the Bellagio, we wandered around to explore the hotel. Without all the people and chaos, it was magical! I especially loved the Chihuly glass sculpture on the ceiling. I’d taught about his artwork many times in my art classes, so seeing it in person was a real treat.
We also made a very practical stop inside the hotel: we needed Band-Aids.
My beautiful new shoes had scraped the skin completely off my big toes. Apparently, fashion has a price, and sometimes that price is bleeding feet.
Even with my toes in terrible shape, I wouldn’t have traded that night for anything. It was truly perfect.
And that brings me to the lesson of day one.
This, too, shall pass.
Anxiety passes. Fear passes. Even those moments when you question all your life choices pass. Sometimes, we spend so much time worrying about what could go wrong that we nearly miss all the wonderful things happening right in front of us.
I’m glad I gave Las Vegas—and myself—a chance.
Because if I’d let those first few hours determine the entire trip, I would have missed the beauty, the laughter, the unexpected discoveries, and one of the most spectacular shows I’ve ever seen.
Sometimes, the only thing standing between us and a wonderful experience is our own overthinking.
So take the trip. Wear the sparkly shoes (but maybe pack Band-Aids). Have a little adventure. And whatever you do, don’t let yourself get in your own way.
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