June 19, 2021: Vacation Eve

It’s like a Friday, the day before you leave on vacation. You still have work to do, not completely home free yet, but you’re close…so close you can taste it. And although the place we were going was the same, this trip was different. First trip since the pandemic; first time on a plane in two years. Maybe not a big deal for many, but yeah, it is kind of a big deal.

I could tell it was going to be different. Of course masks were part of what we had to bring with us. Regardless of the easing up of restrictions, they are still required on planes. My wife prepared sanitizer and wipes, still a bit nervous about the whole proposition. How would Vegas be this time? I kind of got a little idea, when I was calling the hotel earlier this week. First off, good luck talking to somebody; you’re going to wait. I did, hung up, then called back again. Some stuff open, some stuff still closed. The reason I was calling had to do with our room rates. We already had a pretty decent rate, but with a 24 hour cancellation policy, I figured I’d check to see if there was a better deal out there; there was. However, unlike the automated message instructing me to make my reservation edits online, my reservation could not be edited or cancelled for that matter; thus, back on the phone. It was worth it at the end of the day. We saved a hundred bucks off our stay; I’m sure I’ll make up for it gambling.

These days Vegas is different anyways; not adding any crazy stories this time around, although there are always stories. Going with the family is definitely more low key, but we’ll have fun no doubt. Yet, the main reason for our trip west is to see my father in law. Due to the pandemic, it’s been two years since we saw him; it’s long overdue. This is the driving factor of our trip, although I am pretty happy he lives in Vegas instead of let’s say Idaho? Yes, I can’t wait.

Thankfully it’s supposed to cool down when we’re there; 109 degrees is better than 115. We’ve made a couple plans. It’s always a good idea, but especially with stuff being up in the air out there. Poolside movies, horseback riding…no doubt hours and hours by the pool, which is open. Gambling will be a part of it as it always is, although the poker room at Rio is not open…not sure about trekking to the strip late. That route over the 15 is enclosed and winding; you’re pretty much trapped if stuff goes down. Guess I can get a cab and stop being so cheap. Maybe it’s not worth it though; we’ll see. Maybe a little roulette, blackjack, paigow; are there any $5 tables? Any $10 tables? We’ll see. What else will this trip hold?

Who cares? I’m ready to roll. My wife got emotional when we got our vaccinations. When I step foot back in Sin City, I think I’m going to cry. If not, then surely after losing my small bankroll at the tables. Viva!