Twisted around, upside-down, part 2

So I had made the transition from the laid-back atmosphere of Florida to the go-go-go-go-go setting of Vegas. I had, however, made plans to take advantage of what would likely be my only chance for a workout. I resisted the urge to do anything else and paid the fee to use the Flamingo's workout facilities, prepping myself for the next few days. I had flown in a day earlier than my friend, so I had a solo evening to myself. I dabbled in poker and a few table games, chatting up anyone interesting I came across. People working in Vegas come from all over the world from numerous cultures, and so many are eager to share their background with me. It made for an interesting and rather low-key evening.

The rest of the Vegas experience was great.

One night we hit up Body English at the Hard Rock... and hit the dance floor for a solid three hours straight. The nightclubs in Vegas really have everything down, from the service to the decor to the clientele to the drinks themselves. The temperature on the dance floor was somehow kept absolutely perfect, which I don't ever see around here in MN (it usually gets uncomfortably hot)... three hours and I don't think I broke a sweat.

Another night we made our way to Tao at The Venetian. The place was absolutely beautiful, and everyone was dressed to impressed. It was another memorable night, with something else that was simply hilarious. I'll keep that one in Vegas ;).

Food was great, with the highlight being the Bellagio buffet. At most buffets, there is quantity, but the quality isn't quite there. This had both. And I had six plates. I'll try to remember everything I had. Creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and gravy, capicolla, salami, three different kinds of pasta, chicken wellington, lamb, asparagus, red potatoes, Chilean sea bass, sourdough roll, sushi, chicken noodle soup, maple spinach salad, german potato salad, antipasto, iced tea with lemon. OMG I'm a pig.

I'll leave the rest of the Vegas experience for the imagination. Imagine fun.

Flight from Vegas back to MSP was good. Sat next to a very nice older couple who seemed similar to my parents, having kids around my age, one also an engineer. The lady saw my James Patterson and said she liked. I looked at her book, and, lo and behold, it was the Vince Flynn that I had finished earlier in the trip. I forgot to mention that mine was a signed copy. Hers was too. Kinda cool. B+

Mom picked us up from the airport, I dropped off my stuff at the apartment, and then I headed back to my friend's house to catch up on The Office and It's Always Sunny. Then we went out for a little bit. Then I watched the Death Proof part of Grindhouse, very Tarantino and entertaining. Then I blogged part 1.

Today was back to cooking. BBQ ribs on the grill with corn on the cob, red potatoes, and zucchini/yellow squash. Later is hockey. After that I get to sleep in my own bed for the first time this vacation. Now I think I'll end part 2 and finish The Alchemist. The end.