Underneath the Desert Stars

Traveling can be amazing. I'm sure there's someone out there who disagrees. But, when done right, experiencing a different culture is unforgettable. Going alone is fun. But getting to share those intimate moments with someone else is even better. Some things just can't be expressed with words, they can only be felt. What's understood, never needs to be explained.

If you're like me, then the idea of being home all of the time and working the same 9 to 5 for the next 40 years, is NOT appealing. Not only is it not appealing, but as the captain of this ship, it's NOT going to happen. Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the need to work a corporate job, or any job for that matter. But what I am saying is, for me... Going to work before the sun is up and coming home as it sets every day, is not the life I want to live. It doesn't fulfill me.

Call me a free spirit, or whatever. But most societal constructs of how I should live my life don't really interest me. I need way more freedom and creativity. Art helped for a while. Then I added random road trips and took on more projects. Now, I've moved on to full-on destinations. Spontaneous trips excite me. Learning about new cultures. Just having something exciting to look forward to. I love the whole process of picking a destination, planning, and execution.

I love challenging myself, learning something new. Trying something different. That's what puts a smile on my face. The desire to thrive in a very challenging field is what keeps me working 'till 5 am. When you love what you do, it never feels like work. And what a great feeling that is. Maybe this is what it feels like to experience your souls' destiny. I'm not there yet, but it certainly feels like I'm moving in the right direction.

With the number of things I want to experience in life, a cubicle destiny just doesn't make sense. I can't spend Monday through Friday pinning for Saturday morning to set me free. I've tried working a corporate job in addition to my side hustles. I didn't want to be a starving artist. So, I quickly found myself working 60+ hours a week. As time went on, I found it be unsustainable. I was burnt out and frustrated. I needed to manage my work and life balance better. So I did. I took the time to reassess my priorities. What's the point of having money, but never having the time to enjoy it? What's the point of sacrificing so much, just to be otherwise unhappy? I felt like I was working so hard, but didn't have much to show for it. You can't do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. That's the definition of insanity.

As I have mentioned before, I really enjoy being on the road. From the gratifying sound as my engine revs. To grip of my tires as I coast mountain roads. Or the occasional moments where I get to put 'her' in manual and see what she can really do. The fresh air. The driving without any real destination, just to see what I can find. The rediscovering of the otherwise hidden, neglected, and forgotten places and things. The act of wandering.

After years of making long distance trips. I finally had the opportunity to travel with someone special. Someone other than family. For the sake of not being corny or overly sentimental, I will not call this a couples trip. Even though it was. The Sagittarius in me has met its 'emotional' quota for the day. But if you know any Sagittarii, then you know we really are sentimental. Even though we act like we aren't. We care deeply and we love unconditionally.

But back to the story at hand. I'm sure you are curious to know where we ended up going. We went to Vegas! All I can say is wow. For the record, this was not only my first time traveling with a partner. But, this was also the farthest I had ever been on the West Coast. So to say I was excited is quite the understatement. 'Single Trip me' and 'Couple Trip me' are not the same. I already thought I was brave, but having him by my side definitely made me feel braver. It feels safer to be more adventurous when you know someone is watching out for you. Can't give him all the credit...you know, with my Sagittarius pride and all. But kidding aside, it was a very special trip. Great things happen when you leave your comfort zone behind.

While in Vegas we stayed at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and the Mandala Bay. Both accommodations were gorgeous. Providing fantastic views of the mountains and the strip. There is nothing like watching the sunrise and set in Vegas. The rooms were spacious, clean, and the room service was fantastic. Getting around via walking or Uber was easy. Anything you could possibly need can be found on the strip.

While in Vegas we also had the opportunity to shot an impromptu video. Here are some stills from that. The unedited video can also be found below. More of Infinidi's content can be found here.

We ate, we drank, and we laughed. Las Vegas in the winter was a lot colder than I expected. But we came prepared for anything, so it didn't slow us down much. We walked the strip countless times. Visiting the Stratosphere Observation Deck, Paris Hotels' Le Village for dinner (which was delicious), the Eiffel Tower Experience, The Mirage Volcano eruption, the X-Scream ride, Slotzilla zip line (that was only him), saw the Bellagio Fountain show and more. We even gave our hand at playing slots and blackjack. Surprisingly we both won! I found myself on a winning streak, up to $70 on a 50 cent game. Is that rare? If it's not, don't tell me. I'm happier thinking I got lucky. While the getting was good, we decided to call it a night. No need to lose all of our earnings on the casino floor.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the Grand Canyon. Sucks I know. But it gives us a reason to go back. Vegas and its surrounding area have so much to offer. A week was never going to be enough time to try everything. Next time I go it will be at the top of my list.

If your knees get weak at the slightest increase of elevation, this isn't for you. Towering in at 1,149 feet and 550 feet respectively. Vegas makes getting an amazing view exciting. I was surprised and slightly scared to experience Las Vegas from above. Sucking up my fear of heights. We went out on the Stratosphere Observation Deck and rode the High Roller. Both were pretty cool actually. Eye-opening and beautiful. This was my first time observing a city from such an amazing vantage point. Photos simply do not do it justice. All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and I can't wait to go back.

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#Travel #Dating #Art #Wanderlust #Food #Couples