… doesn’t necessarily have to stay in Vegas.
But before I get into a recap of my trip, I really want to thank you guys for all the love and support you showed me on my last post. Despite being pretty stoked about all the recent changes, I have to admit to feeling a certain amount of trepidation as well. I mean, yes, I’m feeling positive about everything for the most part, but that doesn’t mean those pesky “what if” thoughts don’t creep in to my conscious awareness every now and again. What if I can’t hack the distance? What if IIN wasn’t a good choice? What if I get hit by a bus while I’m crossing the street?!?
Okay, so that last one isn’t something that I usually concern myself with, but you get the idea 😉 The thing is, I don’t know that my fears won’t materialize – there’s always the chance that they might – but I’m not going to let fear or uncertainty hold me back… doing so would be letting something else live my life for me, and that doesn’t sound all that appealing. But enough of the pep talk – sometimes we all just need to give ourselves on, you know? On to bigger and better things… Vegas.
You know, for someone who doesn’t gamble, party, or drink all that much, I sure do end up travelling to Vegas a whole heck of a lot. Why? Mostly because I love the energy of the city. Everyone’s just there to have a good time, and everything feels so laid back. Plus you can usually nab pretty cheap last-minute plane tickets. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that there’s no shortage of things to see and do either…
The Strip at night.
Caesar’s Palace // Fountains of Bellagio.
Inside Forum (Caesar’s) // Canals in The Venetian.
Performers inside The Venetian.
Lots of time by the Bellagio pools.
Big cats and dolphins in Siegfried and Roy’s Magic Garden (The Mirage).
Rod Stewart’s All the Hits // Michael Jackson’s One by Cirque du Soleil.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEkjxWTyf5E&w=560&h=315″]
Yes, Vegas proved to be the perfect distraction to help me get over my funk of having to part with J. I won’t go in to too much detail about what I did while there, and it’s not because I have scandalous stories to hide, but because I’m pretty sure most people just gloss over travel recaps anyways (definitely guilty). In a nutshell there was: lots of walking, lots of shopping, lots of time by the pool, and a couple of shows thrown in for good measure (Rod Stewart was ‘meh’ but One was amazing). Vegas is just one of those places that I feel everyone should experience at least once, and I’m pretty sure I’ll find myself there again at some point in time.
Happy Tuesday, loves! See you tomorrow for WIAW!
. – . – . – .
Ever been to Vegas? What did you do while there?
Are you a fan of Michael Jackson?
Are you guilty of glossing over travel recaps too?
jesus way to lead me on and make me want to know every single detail of this J person and all these secrets. I am more intrigued than ever.
I’ve never been to Vegas before! I’ve never had a huge urge to go there because like you, I don’t really gamble or party all that much. I mean, obviously I wouldn’t turn down a trip to Vegas if it was offered to me, but it was never on my top 10 list of places to go. But I think you and I are pretty similar in a lot of ways, so if you enjoy it, I guess I would too! Your pictures are seriously amazing – Vegas just seems so larger-than-life!
I think I do the opposite of gloss over travel recaps – I share every little boring detail! 😛
I’ve never been to Vegas, but I have a postcard haha 🙂
I have never been anywhere in the western U.S. but I would LOVE to go. If you ever want to go to Hawaii again and find a good deal let me know 😉 I am a fan of Michael Jackson. There’s something about his music I just love! And it depends on WHO writes the recap. It sounds horrible but if it’s a blog I don’t read all too often, I’ll most likely skip over it; however, I would honestly read your recaps lol. Probably because I can relate to you more. I’m glad you had a great trip, though, and kept your shenanigans to a minimum 😉
I’ve never been to Vegas, but after seeing your photos, I’m much more inclined to go. I’m not into the whole gambling/drinking/partying thing a ton either, but everything looks so fantastic!
Love all of the photos! I remember hating Las Vegas when I was younger since all the electricity in the air causes any metal you touch to shock you. Such a stupid reason hahah! 😉
Seriously, you’re taking me next time. I’ve never been to Vegas but I really want to go! It just seems like so much fun…plus last fall my uncle’s cousin was visiting from Switzerland – a few family members took her to Vegas, and she won about ten grand. That would be nice…
And while I admit I don’t usually read travel recaps all that closely unless it’s a place I’m really interested in, I love looking at the pictures!
We’ll just have to make sure we get into some fun shenanigans in Minneapolis 😉
I told you that you should have come with! There was plenty of room on the plane… sorta 😛 But Minneapolis is definitely going to be an awesome time as well, and girl…. 1.5 months!!
Wow looks like you had an amazing time! I’d love love love to go to Vegas! Hopefully within the next couple of years I’m gonna do a San Fran/Vegas trip!
My Dad was meant to go a few years ago but it was when I was suffering really bad with my ED..he had to cancel to stay home with me as there was the possibility I was going to be taken into hospital..always feel so guilty!
Love Cirque du Soleil & Michael Jackson so definitely would have wanted to see that show!! Looks incredible!
I LOOOVEEE Vegas! I’ve been 3 times now. I’m not a huge gambler and I’m too old for the party scene but I love the restaurants and the pools and the hot Vegas sun and the shopping 🙂 My husband loves the gambling and the shows so it is always a fun time when we travel there. I try not to gloss over my travel posts but all of the small details are definitely not necessary. I think I would bore everyone to death if I shared every last detail of what I ate and did!
Looks like it was quite and eventful and fun trip! I’ve actually never been to Vegas before. I’m not a big drinker or gambler either, so I never thought I’d be into it that much; although, I’m sure I would definitely enjoy going to the shows. Glad you had a good time! 🙂
Happy Tuesday!
That sounds like the perfect place to unwind and distract yourself. But I also think that making plans (IIN) are helping with long distance relationships. If you have exciting stuff happening in your life it’s easier bypass the time until his next visit – done the long distance thing with my bf while I spent a semester abroad in Shanghai. It was definitely easier for me, since I had all the exciting stuff going on.
-Very- true! It’s proven to be extremely helpful to have studying as a distraction, especially because it’s something I really enjoy learning about. And a semester in Shanghai?! That must of been an amazing experience!
It was. Though I would never want to live there, it is the perfect semester abroad location when you are young and enjoying the buzzing huge city. Sadly I haven’t been to China for over 2 years now. Couldn’t find the money nor the time. But there are plans for going back fall/winter 2014.
I went to Vegas about a year ago and stayed in the Venetian. The hotels there are amazing! I agree, Vegas is definitely a place everyone should see at least once!
Can you believe that I have not yet been to Vegas? I really need to get there. In fact, I haven’t been further west than Chicago more than once – one trip to California and that’s it.
I’ll admit I used to wonder why somebody like you who doesn’t gamble or party – I’m the same – enjoyed Vegas so much. These pictures, however, convince me that there truly is some appeal to the city even for people like me. Now if only I can find somebody to pay me the flight tickets 😉 …
Glad Las Vegas helped to cheer you up a bit!
With travel recaps I’ve noticed that I’m likelier to read them if they cover a vacation to a place with gorgeous nature. Magical forests, hikes with stunning views, … I’m in for that and enjoy seeing what the beauty of nature looks like all over the world. City travel recaps however? Not so much. There are exceptions but for the most part, yes, I just quickly skim over them, too.
I find that there’s actually a lot of misconceptions out there about Vegas with the whole Sin City image… I mean sure, there’s plenty of that there too, but it’s honestly not as prominent as most people tend to think… and the city really does offer a lot. Heck, I see tonnes of families with little kids there too.
I went to Vegas once my senior year of high school with my parents and sister. because I was young I couldn’t do much. So we shopped a lot and went and saw a few shows while my dad hit the casinos. I saw Blue man Group and Cirque De Soleil Mystere. I loved the shows, definitely a great experience. I want to go back now that I am older. I used to play poker a lot and would love to play in Vegas just once!
Oh how I love Vegas :)! I went a few years ago for a cousin’s wedding and although much of our time was spent at the functions, luckily we managed to explore a little i.e. shop, watch the Cirque du Soleil L’Eau show, gamble a bit (stopped after losing $100), and just soak in all the upbeat energy! Loved these photos and I can see that somebody scored a lovely tan!
Eeeep! Didn’t get to comment on yesterday’s post so I want to put it out there that I’m extremely happy for you and all these exciting things you have going on right now -and also I’m selfishly happy that you’re back to blogging.
Never been to Vegas but I think I’m going this winter (everyone in my year at school is turning 21 and I have to admit that when one of my friends suggested we plan a celebratory trip to Vegas I was a bit hesitant to jump on board because I’m not a huge gamblr or partyer – But I’m starting to think it’ll be a fun trip regardless. And your pictures are making me excited to see everything for myself.)
Travel recaps are actually my fave. I got into healthy living blogs when I was super disordered and now I’m way past that and have completely lost my strange captivation with other people’s food choices (I will always check in on my favourite bloggers though) so I tend to find life posts and travel posts more interesting than foodie posts (unless we’re talking about recipes that contain chocolate because I will always be a sucker for that).
Awwr thanks girl <3 And definitely hit up Vegas with your friends! You seriously don’t have to be a huge gambler or partyer to have an awesome time (I’m not), because there are SO many other things to do and see.
I can’t believe you were in Vegas and didn’t take me. Next time, I’m crashing your trip. Get ready for it.
Really though, I’m glad you had an awesome time <3.
I’ve never been to Vegas but I’d love to go one day. It seems like one big party! I’d want to see all the shows and EAT!
I’ve never been o Vegas but I’d love to go. Mainly just to see Cirque du Soleil, their shows are incredible. Looks like a great little getaway!
You lucky girl! I have been to Vegas once (a couple of summers ago) and had a blast! I hung out with my college girl friends, drank, went to pool parties, and ate! I also REALLY loved visiting Fremont Street, especially watching the light show there. Three days in Vegas was enough for me, though, because I was exhausted by the end of the trip! I cannot wait to go back. Hopefully next summer I can make it there again.
I’m definitely with you on Vegas getting a little tiring after a few days… I’m always more than willing to come back home after my time there, but then the itch strikes again and I find myself wanting to go back. Can.not.win 😉
No kidding! I think they need to make HLS or Blend in Vegas next year! 😉
I’ve sadly never been to Vegas! I really need to go one of these days.
Vegas seems like so much fun, and it looks like such a blast.
Kind of jealous over how beautiful it is there.
Oh I forgot to add, I actually LOVE reading travel recaps…maybe I’m the only one haha. Mostly because I like to see if it’s a place I’d like to travel to one day so I actually like to read them.
Guilty…yes. HAHA! This recap is perfect though because it’s short and sweet. The recaps with HUNDREDS of photos and novels of paragraphs just loose me. I have never been to Vegas but I need to go. I have talked about it, so I JUST NEED TO GO!
I don’t check my blog for a few days and you come back with 2 posts! Yay! I’ve missed you so much!
I’ve never been to Vegas, but I really want to go to see how it is even though I am like you and don’t gamble, drink, or party all that often! My Grandma goes every year and loves it. She gambles, but she has way more luck than I will ever have. I would stick to the pools. 🙂
Certain cities just give off an energy that sucks you in. I love when that happens. It’s a wonderful feeling. It’s so exciting! I always feel so adventurous when that happens! I’m glad you had fun!
I didnt know that Cirque du Soleil did Michael Jackson! So fun! I knew the did LOVE (Beatles) but I would like MJ so much more!
The MJ show is new – I think it just opened up in June? And after seeing both, I’m going to have to say that I enjoyed it more than LOVE, but that might just be a generation thing…
Nope, I’ve never been to vegas. Nope, not a michael fan. And yep, I usually enjoy looking through the pictures haha. What can I say…pictures are worth a 1000 words anyway, right? Joe lived in vegas for a year a few years back and loves it. He keeps saying we need to go. I’ve told him I’ll go in November when i can run the rock and roll half there at night 😉 He says maybe in a few years haha. We’ll get there eventually 😛
I’ve been to Vegas twice (my honeymoon + a few-day pit stop on the way to a Seattle wedding), and I have to say it’s one of my favorite places to visit, too. I personally hate gambling (I work too hard to blow the little $ I have on games I’m destined to lose!), but I really enjoy the dining, shows, seeing the strip at night, and walking through the beautiful hotels.
Love the Vegas photos, and it sounds like you had a great time! (Oh, and I’m a wee bit envious of your tan!)
Your tan put my lif
Phone fail. But it puts mine to shame!!! I love these pictures and it makes me want to hit up Vegas even more than I already do! Obviously I don’t drink much at all but I want to go see that city! It seems incredible- and the restaurants are supposedly to die for!
I’ve never been to Vegas before, but I’ve always wanted to….despite not really being a big gambler or drinker myself. Maybe it’s just the idea of traveling and seeing a new place. Vegas strikes me as bold and glamorous, even though parts of it are probably not-so. It looks like you had a blast! And I’m so glad you’re blogging again — I’ve missed your posts! 🙂
I love Vegas! And I’m not a gambler, either. Have you seen The Beatles: LOVE? SO good! Check it out next time if you haven’t. I got married in Vegas in 2010 and we saw that show the night before. Perfect!
I did! I saw LOVE last year and really enjoyed it – but then again, I’ve found all of the Cirque shows to be pretty amazing. If you ever get a chance to check out “O”, I definitely recommend it – that’s probably my favorite of the shows.
I have heard “O” is great. We would probably also have to see LOVE again… it was that awesome! 🙂
Looks like an amazing time!!! I’ve only been to Vegas once (in the first trimester of my pregnancy) and the smells were getting to me to say the least. I’d love to go back though 🙂
I love the pictures!! I’ve been wanting to see a Cirque du Soliel show for a long time now. I bet the Michael Jackson One was fabulous!
I’ve never been to Las Vegas (or any further West than Colorado, for that matter!) but would love to go at some point! My sister is going to school out in Colorado, so I’m hoping that means more trips out to the West for me. I don’t think there’s anything more relaxing than sitting at the pool with the sun shining, reading a good book. I just did the same yesterday 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
AWESOME recap! I haven’t been to Vegas since my 21st birthday, but it was a hell of an amazing time 🙂 I think I’m going back next year though.
Love Michael Jackson’s music. RIP, man.
Fun stuff! I’ve only been to Vegas once, but my fav part was the pool time. 🙂
Travel posts are actually my fav to read! 😀 I’ve been to Vegas twice – once with Court – we ended up going out to Red Rock Canyon for some hiking, wined & dined ourselves and hit up Whole Foods a couple times. I went with a group of girlfriends last summer. There was lots of pooltime, drinks & clubs. That is all.
Next time I go back, I’d love to stay at the Red Rock hotel & casino (it’s not on the strip) for a more “chill” Vegas vacay – with fine dining and some shows. I have YET to go to one! I want to see O, though.
O was -amazing-. Definitely my favorite Cirque show in Vegas. And I keep meaning to hit up Red Rock Canyon every time I’m go, but I never seem to make it out there 🙁
I’ve never been to Vegas before but when I do go one day, I want to see everything! I’m not much of a gambler or drinker either, but since there is SO much to do I’m sure it would be fun. I saw a show about a place in Vegas where you can zipline over the city, how cool.
!! I knew you could take a helicopter trip over the city, but I had no idea about the zip-lining! That’s definitely something I’m going to have to look into next time…
I completely agree with you about Vegas, it’s more so the environment and excitement of the city that makes it appealing to me. I’ve been there twice, at age 9 and 15, so I never really had the chance to experience it as an adult, but hopefully someday!
I think its so great that you’re getting outside your comfort zone. It’s really inspirational to be honest, and motivating me to take some risks I’ve been putting off for a little while. sometimes you just need to seize life by the bal… horns. thats awesome there are last minute cheap tickets to vegas- from boston, well, yoy might as well go to europe, they’re always $$$. i’ve been once though and it was a blast! happy tuesday 🙂
Great pics! It’s years ago since I’ve been to Vegas and I loved it, though I was glad to leave after a certain amount of time, it just started to get too much. The Bellagio always remembers me of my crush movie ocean’s 11 🙂
So glad you enjoyed your time there!
I might not be a FAN of Michael Jackson, but I absolutely adore his music.
It definitely gets to be a little much after a while – I was definitely happy to come home too. And I can’t help but think about Brad and George whenever I’m in the Bellagio either 😉