Viva Las Vegas part IV

So this past weekend, I took part in the annual guys' trip to sin city. This trip marked the 4th annual trip that we've taken since we graduated. It's actually the 4th trip in 3 years, but since we graduated half way through 2005, we were able to go late 2005 and that counts as our 4th. We've officially taken one trip each calendar year since 2005. Even if in sum, we've gone 4 times in 3 years worth of days. While Vegas never disappoints, I have to admit this year was my favorite trip that we've taken so far. I attribute this pleasure from this trip to a number of factors, but mainly I think it was because only 5 of us went this year, and all 5 guys were part of the original group of guys that have been going every year. As a result, all of our decision making was a little bit more relaxed and things just seemed to flow more smoothly. We also tried a ton of new places to party (LAX club at Luxor, Jet club at Mirage, Body English at Hard rock), places to eat (24-7 diner at Palms, Nove Italiano at Palms, Little Buddha at Palms, and our recurring favorite: Mandalay Bay buffet), and places to gamble so I think that helped to make the trip new and exciting. Las Vegas seems to be expanding exponentially. There was lots of huge construction going on while we were there, so next year, I suspect there will be like 5-6 new casinos that we'll have to try and visit. And finally, I won about $500-600 this trip. Can't be disappointed with a trip where you come home with more moolah than when you arrived, right? Aside from the very first trip we took, this was my biggest win yet in the city. I actually didn't pay for a single thing with my own money on the last two days of our trip. Woot!

Aside from the regular gambling, late night partying, and excessive drinking, Vegas was Vegas. We saw a lot of celebs again. Amare Stoudamire and Shaq were there for the US team training camp, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz were both there because of the UFC fight Saturday night, and Carlos Mencia (was performing at the Palms, so we saw him at the club partying it up). I didn't have my camera this year, so no Nicky Long papparazzi photos to share. I'm still in Vegas withdrawal right now. It's always like this when we come back...at least for a few days. Already counting down the days till next year's trip!