Several months ago, my friend Regina said she was going to a Book Lovers Con in Las Vegas and I asked her if she wanted a travel buddy. We decided that I would go from Sunday through Thursday and she would stay through the following Sunday. However, when we arrived in Las Vegas, I started looking into things to do and lo and behold, Tom Jones, my all-time favorite singer was performing at the Wynn for three days only – after I was supposed to leave. So a quick text to Ronnie to say ‘hey I think I need to stay’ and suddenly my four day vacation turned into seven and I cannot begin to tell you how much fun it was to be spontaneous!

When we arrived, we went to the Princess Diana exhibit at the Shops at Crystals. I loved
Princess Diana so it was a wonderful thing to see. We especially loved the miniature doll size versions of 79 dresses that she sold at auction that raised over $5 million for charity just a few months before her death. It was a beautiful tribute to her.

The first night, we went to Vanderpump a restaurant in the Paris Hotel. I love Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules, so imagine my joy when we walked in and there standing was Oliver Saunders, son of Garcelle Beauvais. Oliver, himself, has been involved in both shows, with a bit of drama. I asked if we could get a picture and he was so gracious and so kind! Our vacation was off to a tremendous start!! The food was delicious and the ambiance was elegant.

On Monday evening, we went to see Menopause the Musical at Harrah’s. For 90 minutes it was non-stop laughter. The four talented actresses kept us in stitches the whole time! There were two women in the audience from England who had been to see it 31 times!

On Tuesday morning, we got up bright and early and rented a car and headed to the Hoover Dam. We did the tour which was fascinating. Over 21,000 men worked to construct the dam between 1931 and 1936. I cautiously walked across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge over the Hoover Dam, which is the first concrete and steel composite arch bridge built in the United States. We then headed to Lake Mead and for the next couple of hours drove around to different sites in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. We had a fabulous day!

On Wednesday, we did the hop on-hop off bus which took us all around Las Vegas. We got our photo taken at the iconic Las Vegas sign and we went to the Harley Davidson store. We spent a bit of time laughing at the M&M store! You just have to smile when you are there! The colors are so vibrant. We then went to see Josh Groban at the Coliseum at Caesar’s Palace. He was tremendous! He puts on a remarkable show.

On Thursday, I went to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Wow, wow, wow! Absolutely gorgeous. Then I watched the Bellagio fountains in the day time and went back in the dark! Pictures don’t do it justice!

Thursday evening, I treated myself to Nobu at Paris Hotel. I ate caviar for the first time but definitely not the last. I also had a lobster taco and a salmon dish. I finished up with a chocolate Bento Box which was melt in your mouth delicious. It was definitely a decadent albeit wonderful choice to eat at Nobu.

On Friday, I set out for the Venetian Hotel just to see it. It has lovely stores to wander through. Friday night, I walked to Harrah’s to experience Donny Osmond. Row 4, Seat 5 – I am pretty sure we made eye contact a few times throughout his 90 minute show. It was definitely a throw back to my growing up years. Who knew he had released 65 albums! It was so much fun!!!

On Saturday, I decided I wanted to walk to the Michael Godard Art Studio at the Rio. It looked like it was in walking distance but I didn’t realize there was a highway in between. Somehow, I got to a restricted area of Caesars where the Caesar’s Villas are located. Several limos were waiting there. Wonder if I had just hung around who I might see! But I persevered and made it to the Rio. Going to the Godard studio was worth it! I have one Godard and it was fun to see a few more on display. I smartly took a taxi back!

Then finally the time I had waited for all week – Tom Jones at the Wynn! While he may not be as hot as he used to be when he wore leather pants and danced around the stage, his voice was still as magical as it had been at the previous 19 concerts of his that I attended. I sang along to pretty much every single song! It was a very magical week – even if I left more money in the machines than I had come with – but so much laughter and so fun.

Definitely take time to do fun things with your bestie and by yourself!!! In total, I walked over
42 miles for the week and my face hurt from smiling so much. Paraphrasing Tom Jones, it
should not be unusual to have fun with anyone! Life can be a combo of planned and
spontaneous.