Vegas: Vacation to Virus!
The event that I was anticipating the most turned out to be not just the most exciting but it also soared above all of the very high expectations I had going into it. Very similar to the feeling I receive when I attend a live theatrical production, the magic show that I went to see was so captivating and engaging that I didn't want to leave! As I mentioned in my last blog, I have seen this magician through my TV screen for years and I thought I liked his performance style before but now I may be fully obsessed. He was able to encourage me to smile from the moment the show started to the moment it ended, not just because of the funny jokes or comedic bits but because of the intent and thoughtfulness that went into each second.
Mat Franco is such creative in the way he presents his tricks and knows how to push the limit of what is possible. I love watching magic because I get a sense of wonder and curiosity that doesn't necessarily need to be clarified but instead, just excites me! When watching Mat onstage and truly feel his positive energy run through me inspired that same wonder I feel but instead of it being about how the trick is done, it's more centered around his comfort and natural ability in front of an audience. I don't know if this is making sense because I am still have trouble putting into words just how much I loved this performance. It's one of those experiences that I wish I could relive while at the same time realizing that I could never feel the same way that I did because it was so new to me and so authentic being so close to a man that I admire and look up to!
So that was just 90 minutes of my vacation but it truly was the reason I made this trip happen so I feel so grateful that it lived up to my expectations and more. However, there were a few other moments that I was happy to experience as well. One was just being with my brothers and parents since they always make feel at ease and melt away my stress or uncertainty. We found a beautiful walking trail called Red Rock Canyon just 30 minutes away from the busy, congested strip of Las Vegas and it was unreal. The amount of wide open space that surrounds the city is hard to imagine but it allowed for a break from the smoke and crazy streets.
We also gambled a bit because when I say that there were casinos everywhere, I mean it. Every hotel has hundreds of machines and tables that all want you to waste your money and they truly make it feel endless. I played BlackJack and I can see how it can be addicting and it's honestly very dangerous. To me, it just feels like a video game but instead of fake money that means nothing, you have to put down your hard-earned money down to inevitably see it decrease. I am lucky that I had my family near me to remind me that I wasn't there to waste all of my money!
My dad and I also attended The Beatles LOVE Cirque Du Soleil show and got a last minute upgrade to the very front! The performance was a little odd with many unique costumes and story lines but the songs were amazing and the talent was out of this world. It was jaw-dropping watching many performers just disappear into the ceiling or floor and have no fear as they swing around the stage and above! We saw lots of sights and ate a lot of good food that was new to me! We also went to the Museum of Illusions that had a lot of fun photo opportunities and weird looking experiences.
Looking back, I am so so so glad that I decided to make this happen because I truly had a wonderful time and was fortunate to stay in one of the nicer hotels with the fountain out front! My parents viewed as a "one and done" experience but I can see myself going back in a few years or so, especially if Mat Franco is still performing. There were still some things that I would like to see and now that I am more familiar with the area, I think it would be so awesome.
However, the end of a trip is always difficult as it hits hard when you are forced to go back to reality and it's even worse when you get really sick. I started feeling super tired and had a constant headache for the days following my flight home and at first, I thought it was just recovering from the busy days and lack of sleep but instead of getting better, I got worse. Each day, I woke up with no energy or motivation so I finally went to a clinic to see what was wrong with me... turns out I had COVID.
It was very difficult for me but I was forced to call out of work for the THREE days after a week long vacation and I truly felt awful about it... beyond just the symptoms. I hate taking days off of work especially when everyone I talk with just tells me to relax and rest. I was in so much pain and discomfort that "relaxing" was not even enjoyable. Everything hurt and I was definitely not feeling like myself. I still think that all of the suffering I went through (and am still going through as I recover) is worth it because I truly loved my mini-vacation. It was something out of my comfort zone but truly made me appreciate the work I had to put in to get to Vegas. I am starting to get back into my routines but every once in a while, I still think back to how fun and memorable this trip was and can't wait for my next adventure! I have been trying to edit the many clips and photos I have into a vlog but I have been so busy lately so it may be this weekend or the next, but hopefully soon! Until next time!