This past weekend, I found out that there's more to Vegas than looking like a hooker and going to strip clubs! Albert's family invited me to come along on their family trip to Las Vegas. We stayed at MGM (a first for me) Saturday through Monday. This was the first time (post turning 21) that I've been to Vegas without going to a club, going to a strip club, and/or gambling. Still plenty of drinking, but not to the point of throwing up or blacking out.
On the first night in town, Albert and I watched Team USA's Exhibition game. Jello made the drive up that evening to join us at the game too. A lot of the players I was looking forward to watching (actually, just Kobe), ended up not playing, but it was still fun to watch. It was definitely different from watching a Lakers game because I was a lot more easily distracted. Khloe Kardashian was there (our seats were closer to the court than hers was!) but left during halftime because she got mobbed for pictures. I think the white team won, but I honestly wasn't paying attention. There was a tequila station there and I was busy yelling "Hi!" to the players in an attempt to get them to wave or nod.
I got to introduce Aloha Kitchen to Jenny, Kristen, Albert, and Jello...2 Local plates, one kalua & katsu plate, one kalbi plate, and one adobo fried rice omelet later, I think I convinced them to make this restaurant a must-do whenever we come to Vegas. The food is pretty delicious, but I'd argue that it's even better the morning after a night of drinking :) After dinner, the girls turned in for the night and we hung out with Albert's cousin from Wisconsin (Bernard) for a little bit. It was Bernard's first trip to Vegas so he was ready to party hearty...unfortunately, it was our first night after driving in, so we were ready to call it a night at 2am.
Jello had to drive back to LA on Sunday, but we had a full day ahead of us. The itinerary: eat, pool, eat, drink, midway, movie, eat, and sleep...hahah! The pool was packed for a Sunday, but that didn't stop us from getting in and walking the lazy river. The pool is so refreshing in the middle of the desert and great for people-watching, one of mine and Albert's favorite things to do together. That evening, Albert introduced us to a new restaurant: Metro Pizza. OMG...I LOVED it! Best pizza place in Vegas hands down. Between the 4 of us (Jenny, Kristen, Albert, and me) we shared Fried Calamari, Garlic Romano Fries, and a small stuffed pizza called The Stockyard. Do you think we finished all of it? NOPE. I wanted to, but there was no more room in my stomach. The Stockyard pizza was so delicious. The pizza packed with pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef, then covered with another layer of dough, baked, and topped off with tomato sauce. If you're looking for a solid place for pizza, on or off The Strip, it's Metro Pizza. You gotta give it a try.
Yesterday, we took a Greyhound bus home. Albert thought his parents were coming back to LA on Monday, but they moved their departure date to Tuesday so we were scrambling for a way to get home in time for work on Tuesday (today). I remembered that my mom and dad used to take the bus to Vegas all the time when they first started dating, so I suggested that as our way home. It was definitely cheaper than flying home ($50 for a bus ticket vs. $161 for a plane ticket). Turns out, Albert and his mom used to use the bus to get to Vegas too when his Dad lived out there. The bus ride is about 5 hours long with a stop for food in Barstow. It's a nice ride and great for taking naps while someone else worries about the traffic. This year seems to be the year I'm traveling to Vegas in all modes of transportation!
Albert and I are headed out to Vegas again...this time with my family. It's also T.J.'s 22nd birthday on Friday, so we're hoping we can take him out on a couple of the roller coasters out there. He loves his roller coasters :) T.J.'s been there since Sunday and won't be leaving until this coming Sunday...lucky guy is definitely enjoying his summer break! Definitely going to try to hit up Metro Pizza again and fit in Bachi Burger! Stay tuned for Part 2!
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