Quintessential Vegas Weekend.

I knew I was going to have a good time this past weekend. My friends are never a disappointment in that department. But I had no idea that the weekend would turn out as perfectly as it did. You hear and see (movies) about 4 guys invading Vegas for a “what happens here stays here” weekend. Limos, casinos, liquor, and all-nighters, well we managed packed them all in and then some.

After staggered arrivals, we all finally convened here at The Rio and kick started the weekend with some gambling and free drinks. Roulette was our weapon of choice and we played literally until the sun came up. Despite Casey’s bad luck ora, I ended up walking away with 1K. I never win anything, so I was beside myself about it. Despite our late nigh/early morning, I had to get up and work for a few hours while my compadres slept in and hit the pools.
We reconvened, snagged a limo, and headed for a dinner that topped all dinners at Michael Mina’s at Bellagio. We splurged on the tasting menu and wine parings. 4 Tuna Tar-Tar’s, lobster pot pies and Kobe Beef Fillet topped with foie Gras and a trio of delectable desserts later, we were all nursing full stomachs and champagne buzzes. We headed over the theatre and enjoyed 4th row center seats to the 10:30 showing of Cirque Du Soleil’s “O” courtesy of one of my media vendors. We all walked away amazed at the choreographed feats that sometimes defied logic, and further amazed that it was all performed in water. STRONGLY recommended for anyone who finds there selves in Vegas, you wont ever see anything else like it. Afterwards we cruised down Las Vegas Blvd like a twisted version of the Rat Pack in a stretched Hummer limo that was blaring booty-drop music at a bust-your-eardrum level. We pulled up in style at Gypsy and piled out for some drinks and co-mingling. The night ended at 8 ½ lounge where we enjoyed more drinks and convo on a sete under an Egyptian style sari. You couldn’t have dreamed that up.

Sunday was equally as amazing as we piled into a helicopter and spent 2 hours flying into and around the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking and nerve wracking, the trip produced some of the most incredible scenery I’ve ever seen. The sensation of flying in a helicopter is very different and took us all about 30 minutes to adjust to. I was sitting right next to the glass door and couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if the door suddenly flew up and I dangled outside by my seat belt. Again, an experience of a lifetime that I would recommend to anyone before they die. After we landed, Kelly had to pack his things and head back to SFO, but not before we played one last round of roulette in tandem with ousted Van Halen lead man, Sammy Hagar here at the Rio. When does that ever happen?

I think the gods reached into their bag of tricks and perfectly choreographed the weekend for us all. While we all live pretty charmed existences, this weekend really kicked it up a notch. I totally appreciated the time I got to spend with Kelly, John and Casey. While we were able to enjoy some pretty amazing experiences here in Vegas, I walked away from the weekend realizing that I enjoyed my friends company even more. Whether it’s flying at 10,000 feet in a private helicopter or sitting in a motel room in Tulsa, we’d have just as much fun together. That’s when you know you’re friends are good people.