Vegas Trip 2018

My brothers-in-law made our biennial March Madness trek to Vegas for the first weekend of the tournament.  We agreed this model works best to keep the trip fresh and have ample recovery time for the next excursion.  Everyone needs a personal limit on their ability to morph into a gambling degenerate – keeping it to 4 days in March of even numbered years – we are talking best practice.

The first weekend of the tourney is great if you are into the middle age white guy party atmosphere.  We are solidly entrenched in the target market. I seemed to be the only one making frequent trips to the ATM – BUT – trending this year —> Naps.  No one ever announced a nap though – we seemed to just disappear for a few minutes errr…hours.

The 2018 installment found us in a slightly cooler than normal weather pattern.  No need to go to the famous Flamingo Hotel pool.  The hot tub was an attractive option but given the demographic – not really.  From our 7th floor perch, I glanced down and saw a capacity crowd in the small, bubbly space.  Something about having an observation deck view where you can reflect on your pasty-white, Dad-Bod condition and know you look much better standing up throwing craps.

One afternoon I was chastised for drinking water.  We all know hydration is key – except uncle Steve.  I retaliated in my mind but you gotta pick your battles.  I didn’t want to piss him off because I knew he was paying for the steak dinner that night.  I buy the breakfast burritos and a liter of Vodka – he buys the filets, the Seafood Tower appetizer (serves 2-4), the Hilton Grand Vacation suite and we ignore his fashion choices during the trip.  Totally fair.

We had a special guest this year.  My nephew Bennett joined us for the last half of the trip.  While he had never gambled he did seem to enjoy himself on the 2-day starter pack – we eased him into the flow.  Getting to see his father and two uncles from this vantage point, while enlightening, will certainly pale to anything this 2nd-year dental student will ever see in a stranger’s mouth.

A bit of gambling advice should you find yourself in Vegas during March Madness.  Never bet on Kansas or Arizona – they always let you down.  Always.

While what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – you can enjoy the Commemorative 2018  B-I-L*18 playlist – anywhere.  See you clearly in 2020.