By week's end our little corner of the blogiverse will be peppered with the requisite "Vegas Trip Reports." This was my 5th trip to the town. This is my 5th report.
The stage was little changed, the cast altered only slightly - new characters introduced, old characters missed. I'd mapped out a bit of an agenda for myself, which I managed to achieve - mostly.
My enthusiasm was bolstered by the excitement of first-time blogger gathering attendee G-Cox. We flew in and out of Vegas together and I daresay, no-one had a better time than he.
We were picked up at the airport, along with Kat, by Joanada. There was the Seinfeld moment in the parking garage with the four of us wandering like nomads in the desert looking for the way home. Gary was the saviour - finding the car by walking the rows and beeping the key - it's mate finally responded and we piled in.
I'd already texted my mandate that a shot of tequila be waiting for me upon arrival - I wasn't disappointed. Miss Gracie handed me one as I was greeted with numerous hugs and immense smiles by the crowd that had taken possession of the Geisha bar. Gary was immediately welcomed in - engulfed in the unique camaraderie that is the signature of this group.
And so it began.
I needed this trip. With the exception of about a three hour dive into darkness, this trip didn't disappoint. I took the time to do a couple of things for myself - Cirque du Soliel's Ka at the MGM, a fabulous dinner with stellar company at Bouchon (Bouchaaaaaawwwnnn) and, oh yes, the tat.
I expected to face down a couple of pesky demons that've insisted on making the trip with me each time. Try as I might, I don't seem to be able to leave them at home. Losing a buy-in at the MGM mixed games (dammit, I know better) and my bust-out at the tourney unleashed the most insidious one, prompting a hasty exit from Caesar's and landing me eventually at a 1.2 no-limit table at Harrah's.
Poker and I are not good friends right now. We may need couple's counseling soon.
But these trips aren't about the poker. For each person, there is a thread of meaning that stitches together a rich fabric of experiences. The patterns vary, but each of us comes away with a wardrobe of memories we can wrap ourselves in in the months between visits.
At least, I hope we all do. I know I do. Highlights from this trip? Well, from learning a new term (manscaping) to being enlightened to an innovative use for a jalapeno pepper, all I can say is - you just had to be there.
As to my secret wish - no, it did not happen. At one point, I thought it would. But it didn't.
There's always next time.
