Sin City indulgences

Yes, it was beautiful weather in Las Vegas when I was there recently. But, as usual, in conference season, it's also crazy. A couple getting married was on our flight. We all signed napkins with marital advice and they got a bottle of the sparkly stuff for their trip.

I got to stay at one of the most beautiful places around in the Mandalay Bay complex. Pools, palms, casinos, shows, nightly turn down service, you have it all.

What I would have preferred though? A lighter duvet. You would have sworn it got to 30 below zero outside even though the thermostat in the room never went below 65 (I tried to no avail). This lead to much discomfort at night. I figured out (on the last night) that I actually slept better in the bathrobe with just the sheet covering me.

We had lovely meals (hence the indulgences that made my scale go up) and I ate EVERY dessert (although most were tiny). Tiny pain au chocolat at breakfast, tiny chocolate mousse and other sundry mousse-like items, and tiramisu (also tiny). They were all good.

To make up for it, I tried to march around the mall every chance I got, because it beat walking around in the casinos which could get smoky. I also ran up stairs wherever possible.

And yes, I gave some money to the house at Mandalay Bay and Luxor. After I ran through $80 of my $100 budget, I gave up and went to the airport. On my last $20 I put in the slots near my gate, I made $50. I cashed out and vegged while awaiting my plane in the crowded terminal.

The flight back was nice. I sat next to a pilot who was returning to start his work week. Got a lot of insider information and it was fun.

Now, it's back to work. Let the week begin. Hope you enjoy yours wherever you are!