Vegas on R&R - first time trip report

Hey all. Long time reader, first time trip poster. Kind of excited about this one. Active duty military, on a year deployment to AFG, heading home for R&R. Made the decision to fly out west for a part of it. Meeting the wife in Vegas for the first two days, then San Diego for two days, then meeting friends for the weekend in Vegas. Luxor one bedroom tower suite first two nights. The D for the weekend and end the trip with a couple nights at Aria. Then I fly home home for the rest of my leave before heading back to finish the deployment.

I make no promises, but I wanted to start a trip report to try to document this trip for my own personal recollection. Currently sitting in Frankfurt airport in Germany waiting for my flight to Denver and my follow on to Vegas. Flew from Kuwait international which was interesting.

Looking forward to my first beer in six months, some solid gambling with friends, but most importantly being with my amazing bride enjoying some of our favorite places together.

Here’s to a fun and enjoyable trip!

 

Landed in Denver. Already boarded my connection. Did stop at Chick Fil-a. Line was too long so first meal back on American soil, McDonald’s. Double quarter pounder was heavenly. Hot damn it tasted good. Will beat the wife to Vegas by three hours. Good, because I need a shower. One more leg to go but just happy to be back in the US.

 

First, let me start by saying thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement by you all. Makes me feel right at home here. Thank you again for that. So a update.....

Flight from Denver was bumpy. Not supposed to do this (have to wait until you arrive at end destination) but ordered a beer. No Bud Light (I’m a man with simple tastes) so Miller Lite will do. And fellas let me tell ya. It was the best damn thing I’ve had in 6 months. Damn it tasted good. Makes ya appreciate the simple things in life.

Arrived in Vegas. Stepped foot outside on U.S. soil for first time in awhile. Felt good too. Ordered Uber, good dude. I just watched the scenery fly by as we drove to Luxor. Love being in this town. Glad to be back. Check in at Luxor was simple and the room is great. Bed is ten times better than what I sleep on and the room is bigger than what I got now. Nice view of Excalibur. Shower was good. Wife was still flying so I went downstairs for a bit to drink a couple and play a little.

Went to the bar by registration desk. Ordered my first bud light. Bartender asked me why I looked pleased as punch and I told him. Struck up a convo, good dude, former army vet. He understood. Played some VP, hit my first 4OAK. Got a Bud for the road and went and played 3CP. Third hand, 3 card straight flush. 30 minutes later, got a pair of 5s and didn’t check the third card. Dealer turned over a 5 so on 6 card bet I knew I was getting Trips. Told the dealer I didn’t look at 3rd card in my hand. Played it slow and BAM 4th 5. Walked away up 475.

Ubered to airport. Waited for my wife to arrive. She showed up. Hadn’t seen her in 6 months. God she looked beautiful. Always tough to leave, ya never get used to it, even after 14 years. But these moments make ya remember how much your loved ones mean to ya.

with that I’ll stop there.

today got massages and shopping as I’ve got one pair of pants and a couple t shirts! Ha!

 

Take off tomorrow Riders. Staying beachside. Will be back Friday afternoon for the last five days.