Episode 2021: Monk goes to Vegas. MB/Wynn 2/21-27

I’m thrilled about the recent decrease in cases but the numbers are still twice what they were when I was in town last September. Traveling with trepidation but the gambling and travel bug won’t be killed, even with all that sanitizer.



The theme is ‘things change so go with the flow.’ Flying FC on American via Dallas. After booking a 9am flight arriving at 2, they canceled that and I’m now departing at 7:30am arriving at noon. Flights look pretty full. Hotel reservations were for a Penthouse Skyview Suite at MB. Nope. MB is closed weekdays so off to Delano I go. Since I have arthritic knees and not happy having to hoof it (albeit not too long) to the casino I called to request a room near the elevators. That eliminates the Scenic Suite so I will either be downgraded to a standard King or upgraded to a Penthouse. Going with the flow. I also requested a fridge as I plan to eat and drink in the room. Bought the VIP arrival package. Is it a bargain, not at all. I am lazy and it seemed easier than hiring a car and marginally safer than a cab/Uber. With arrival at noon and no reason to rush to Wynn I don’t have to beg for an early check in & late check out. I received special dispensation from the Pope to change the return ride from the airport to the Wynn. I’m sure they don’t care since I already fell for the $170 (including tax). Sucker.

Probably a boring TR for most but I’ll enjoy it. I try to stay in Eastern time which should help avoid people. There will be copious amounts of gambling, mainly slots, maybe BJ, day drinking and whatever food I can find. I do have plans to meet @Astribling at Wynn on Thursday. We met a few years ago at Aria and had some fun. As a solo player with no real gambling friends I do enjoy spending time with a gambler. We have our own language.

With the early departure I started packing Friday night.


Did you want to put that suitcase on the bed? We don’t think so.

I think my luggage has a gambling problem.



Hair appt today, cleaning, notes for cat sitter, vigil mass, finish packing and plan on bed by 8PM with a glass of wine to tell the liver to get ready and hopefully help calm the excitement so I can sleep well before rising at 4AM.

 

Good luck on the trip.

Your cats are very cute, reminds me of my first cat as a child, would lie still for unlimited grooming sessions on a daily basis. And the suitcase pic reminds me of security at the airport too.... ' has this case been out of your sight at all today sir?' Looks at suitcase with 3 fresh bell desk stickers on it..... "Nooooooooooo....."

 

Having a great trip!

 

AWESOME plans and love that you have planned but then with that finished you are going to be going with the flow. I think that's the best combo; obsessive planning pre-trip and then not having to think much to make decisions once I'm on the plane. Nirvana.

And no explanation needed on the transpo package. Yes, from a pure dollars and cents standpoint it may be more expensive but you are there to relax, by yourself, and want minimal issues. It may not make sense for everyone but I get 100% feeling like the premium for a smoother arrival and departure (to Wynn) experience is worth that premium and yep, no thinking required regarding transportation once you're there as you're all set.

Love the kitties. They are both beautiful and hilarious with their looks.

Love the plans to get together with @Astribling.

And I love your evening-before-the flight routine with a glass of wine and getting to bed at a decent time. You're my role model. I'm determined one of these days to not be doing close to an all-nighter packing too much stuff before heading to the airport for my Vegas flight.

Wishing you safe travels and a spectacular time!

 

Have a great time! I think the transportation plans are great - you are going to spend in Vegas and sometimes peace of mind is worth an extra spend!

Sweet kitties - they look like gods/goddesses. And if I know cats they probably act like ones too lol!

 

Your cats definitely look like they rule the roost! Or they think they do. LOL

Safe travels and I can't wait to see you Thursday at Wynn!

 

Safe travels and good luck. Looking forward to the details.

 

Looks like a few of us will be there around the same time. Good luck and have a tremendous time!

 

I love it when there are multiple reports from people in different places! Interesting to see the wide variety of experiences, one of the best things about a tiny strip in the middle of nowhere

 

Thank you, but I aspire to have trips like yours, even if I have to stay up all night packing! Was worried last week I’d be snow stranded in Dallas but things are looking warmer and sunny.

As soon as the suitcase comes out so does the attitudes. They are both snubbing me today. Brats.

 

I think this is perfect timing, after 4 days avoiding people I will be dying to see a friendly face, even if you are wearing a mask. Will try to keep some bankroll saved for our meeting.

 

38 minutes late and by the time I got to it, my split of sparking wasn’t too sparkly . Tastes good anyway. Trying to combat fear of oversleeping.
Even though I’ve been to Asia, Europe, Central America and all over the US, i still marvel at how I can sleep in my own bed tonight and be in another world at the same time tomorrow. (At least I hope to be....)

 

Here is the glitch in being organized and packing early when you are an old lady. When I went over my checklist I had to double check a few things because I couldn’t remember if I packed them.

 

You are not "old"; you are seasoned.

 

Have a great trip! Sounds like a lot of fun. And you seem to have exactly the right attitude for Vegas right now - plan whatever you can, but prepare to be flexible. Hope you have fabulous trip with many handpays.

 

Scene A: it’s a conspiracy
I hope this isn’t shut down for political content bu I must be heard. I don’t drink coffee. I tried, flavors, creamers, etc. Not happening. My caffeine of choice is Diet Coke. I used to have a real problem, never drinking any water all day, just DC. I worked at it and am now down to 1 per day first thing in the am. I know from my last trip that MB only serves Pepsi. I consider that a crime. Can’t even buy one in the overpriced shops. I planned to buy 2 at the airport to get me started. 6am I see the CNN shop 4ught after security. Only Pepsi!! Are you joking? I’m in a panic. Hate to have to search it out in the LAS airport but I’m stuck. Head to the gate and a lovely local shop just opened. DC everywhere, I’m saved! I didn’t even look at the price, 2 16oz bottles, hand her a $20 get $13 back. Yikes. But, I consider that the first win of the trip.

 

Have a good trip!! Will be at the Wynn on Friday night!!

 

Good luck! Glad you found some Diet Coke. It's either Coke or Mt. Dew for me. No Pepsi.

 

Cool. Maybe we can meet up. Let me know. I’m leaving the next day so won’t be out late.

 

What has happened to me? I don’t have as much tolerance for rude, self center people any more, I can’t handle my liquor like I used to, and I’m really out of shape. Between quarantine weight gain and making it easier to stay home, my body is jello.

Wont bore you with a ton of detail so here are the highlights from yesterday.

• Guy next to me to Dallas, had to be 70s or 80s trying to convince me that some spiritual group he belongs to will make my life grand. Founded by some astronaut, they believe in remote healing and all sorts of creepy things. Recruit elsewhere.
• Guy in my row to LV, other side near the window wore his mask for a total of about 15 minutes during a 3 hr flight. I gave him the death stare but he laughed it off. Never saw a FA even approach him. He even went to the bathroom sans mask.
• Food/drinks in American FC, boxed snacks but full bar.
• MGM limo guy couldn’t have been nicer. Asked about the garage shortcut and he showed me upon arrival.
• They didn’t read any of my requests for a room and assigned me a scenic with pool view. Almost an hour discussion with Carlos at VIP checking and decided to wait for something strip near elevator. He also was able to arrange for the fridge in my room. Checked my bags and headed to the casino.
• Met my CW friend Lori and give her the stuff she ordered. She is super sweet but I had to leave her section, I was getting too drunk. Sea breeze I ordered then she brought me a few tequila sunrises because she said they were good followed but bottle of champagne they started carrying. They give you the bottle and a cup. Only are snacks all day, it all was going to my head.
• The casino was busier than September, but still off normal. Wide variety of age groups which I didn’t see last time. Even outside Lori’s area, cocktail service was very good. Will see how Monday looks.
• Had a bunch of tickets and did an amateur bone head move. Rather than holding up the redemption machines I entered them all into the last machine I played. It came up to a little over 1700 and triggered a hand pay. Doh!! Took ages for a slot attendant to find me and pay me in cash. She was nice and didn’t make me feel stupid so I tipped her $5. Would have been faster and cheaper to hold up the line.
• Mlife desk added my $200 FP and 25 from my Vegas. I used $125 in a $5 top dollar. Hit the bonus and realized I had no idea what to take as an offer. I normally hold out for $35+ on dollar machines so now what? Took an offer for $100 and cashed out. Got a great offer on the $1 machine...pic to follow
  
• I also got a bogo from Lupo. Figured I could get two entrees and have meals for a few days. I didn’t read the fine print so not a bargain but a good idea to eat there anyway. You must eat in and order 2 drinks. Got a lemon drop and a diet (yuck) Pepsi. Ordered the fettuccine with mushrooms, added the $7 spinach to the mushrooms and a spicy sausage pizza to go. Total bill was a little over $50, saving $21 for the pizza. I was there at 5pm so it was dead and I was comfortable eating inside. Took home some of the pasta and the pizza AND some of the lemon drop. I was getting too wasted and was afraid to finish it there. My food can be eaten cold so it actually is a bargain when you get a few meals and snacks. I must have been a site with a big tote containing all my stuff and the leftover pasta, a big pizza box and a plastic cup with leftover lemon drop. What a doofus.
• Dropped by the front desk to pick up my keys. Headed to my room and got my luggage. Barely made it before collapsing from exhaustion and lots of booze.
• Didn’t unpack or count my money, got ready for bed and passed out. About 8pm. Not 30 minutes in it started. The dreaded first day leg cramps. I was prepared with that cramp foam that works best at home and drip drop. Nothing worked. Luckily it’s a big suite so kept trying to walk the out. Would feel better and go back to bed. They cropped up again every damn hour. Wake up, use the foam, walk it out, back to sleep 45-75 minutes later here we go again. Last bout was 2:40 am. Miserable night. Woke up at 4 and can’t fall back to sleep with all the walking and cramps my muscles are super achy, not to mention the arthritis. This is why I love the bath, gonna soak for a while and try to soldier on. I’ll be moving slower than normal which is already slow. But I’m thrilled to be here.
• Nail appointment at 11 today. $96 for a gel manicure (including the 20% mandatory surcharge). I have $25 off from my Vegas and a $50 spafinder gift card I bought at Costco.
• Purse dump shows a day one loss of $289. Not great but better than I usually do day one when I want to play everything and at max bet.

photo dump corresponding to the above narrative below. Thanks for following.