Go Big or Go Home

June 6, 2018

Not only is it celebrity chef Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen restaurant slogan, it can describe the entire Las Vegas experience. 

What can be written about Vegas that hasn't already been written? Probably nothing but I'll do it anyway. When approaching the Las Vegas Strip (actually located in a large unincorporated city known as Paradise, NV), I am struck by the size of everything. As a Texan, we always hear the phrase, "everything is bigger in Texas" but that's just braggadocio about the size of the state. In Vegas everything is BIG. 

Giant sprawling, outrageously, ostentatiously, fantastically themed hotels and resorts, signs, restaurants (and the food), and cars.

Hash House A Go Go

Andy's Sage Fried Chicken Benedict at Hash House a Go Go

Even Lady Liberty celebrates the Las Vegas Knights hockey team's success

It's too bad I missed the worlds largest margarita being made at Margaritaville a few years ago. But at least I had a Cheeseburger in Paradise. 

When you're driving or walking, everything is so big, all the buildings look so close...

Upon further inspection however, it's quite the distance between one end to the other. It's a bit deceiving. That didn't stop me from taking a walk after the wonderfully weird and fun Blue Man Group show from Luxor to Bally's, my home base for 4 nights. Just a little 1.5 mile, hour long walk. But with plenty of sights and sounds there is never a dull moment. A second day of eating and walking  and a show with the Beatles and it's shaping up to be a great trip. 

Outside the theatre for Beatles LOVE show

British Invasion! Beatles LOVE

However, it was only just becoming the most challenging trip. 

My Shot

I've done it again. A cruel reality hits me at the worst time. If you've read previous entries on earlier trips, you've seen hardships, trials and tribulations. In Las Vegas of all places, my debit card was compromised and bank account emptied.  Imagine what panic sets in. After filing claims with Google Pay and my credit union, and getting an ominous call in which the fraud investigator expressed uncertainty about a resolution, the future looked ever so bleak. I stayed in bed in the dark room in a fetal position under covers until 1 PM. I didn't want to eat, drink, gamble, or shop. I almost decided to pack it all up and come home early.

But then Plan B went into affect. Calling my friend about staying at his house for the duration. Possibly borrowing money from family members. It's like the old internet meme where someone posts I'm in jail and I need xxx.xx amount. Those were fake, this was real. Well not the jail part. 

As I was talking to Joe about the house in northwest Las Vegas, money started popping back into the account. Dispute adjustment resolutions appeared! I could breathe again! 

I needed to get out. Another stroll down the strip might do me some good. But really I just needed to eat. A portobello sandwich at Wahlburgers did the trick. Now it was time for the pool and real vacation time. The vacation from the vacation part.

Blu Pool at Bally's

Monorail glides along next to the pool

What does this have to do with My Shot, I hear you say?

I guess it was my turn or my shot to be a victim of fraud. Also, I finally went to see Hamilton. The 3rd song in Act 1, My Shot, really resonated with me for some reason. Also, it's a fantastic song and amazing, incredible show. Absolutely the best play/musical I've ever seen. Highly recommended.  I'm going to Zion tomorrow but I kinda want to stay in Vegas too. I didn't think that 1 day ago. I should come back again and do more, bigger, and not leave or miss out. I am not throwing away my shot.