Nothing offers more perspective than being single during the holiday season, suffering from various family feuds, and stuffed in the backseat amid boxes of Christmas decorations and being forced to listen to crooning of Always by Atlantic Starr. That’s what puts my situation into focus. We’ve all been there-at least, I hope it’s not just me!

But let me not overshadow my amazing Vegas trip with those unpleasantries. I was supposed to leave for Vegas with my ex.

But with him needing to ‘think about things’ which is code in Nice Guy Language for ‘I’m too much of a pansy to break it off so I’ll be hurtful so you will’.

That led my amazing sister in law, Camille, to forking over the cash of her own to pay to go with me so I wouldn’t be alone. Seems familiar, “What Happens in Vegas” anyone? Here we were, excited and nervous on our flight and carrying really heavy luggage filled with the flashiest clothes we could find. I was sat next to a cute insurance salesman, and our casual flirting left me comfortable in my singleness for Vegas. I wasn’t as awkward as I remembered!

Camille told me that I needed to clear my head and have fun, and she would make sure I got to kiss an attractive man before we went home. She promised to help pick a good one.

Upon our arrival we found our hotel stuffed with casino machines everywhere there was an empty spot, leaving no doubt to our location. We took a cab to our hotel, the Mandalay Bay.

After a problem with our room was resolved, dressed in our Vegas outfits, which for me was a tiny deep red dress and little black booties. I was not prepared at all for the cold air outside, the walking around only did so much to keep us warm!

Camille looks excited!

We took a cab to the Paris section of Vegas, and put down a reservation at Mon Amie Gabi while we wandered around the place, with its blue and cloudy sky painted ceiling, little shops, and hawkers giving out info on the hottest parties and clubs. Camille is unfortunately nineteen, and so we were left out of that part of the Vegas experience. Next time! At least the man who was irate at us failing to get tickets from him, was nice enough to point out the lipstick I apparently had on my touch. Real classy!

Our table had a front seat view of the Bellagio Fountains with the most incredible waiter in existence to top it all off, François the French guy. Was he French?  Or just an amazing actor?  Regardless, I was impressed with him. I got to practice my now limited French with him and ate unbelievable French cuisine while watching the Fountain show. Free bread too. Step up your game, American style restaurants! I’m not paying extra for chips!

We splurged on a pricey yet huge Eiffel Tower filled to the brim with strawberry daiquiri which was sweet but also very strong, and made our way to Caesar’s Palace, sipping and giggling in our awe of the city.  We saw some wonderful things, such as the statues in Caesar’s Palace, a butterfly style ceiling, the bright lights of the city, and video commercials on multiple screens hanging on the sides of buildings.

My impression of Vegas so far-5 stars!

Our poor feet were torn by the end of the evening, we walked outside to wander about the Paris section and in pain driven  desperation got a cab back to our hotel. Collapsed into our comfortable beds commenced and before I knew it we had ended our first night. Man those beds were comfy!