blog

Rather than do one giant post that encapsulates my week-long Southwest trip, I thought I'd split it into days. I'm still in the process of editing photos, too.

I woke up the morning of my 41st birthday unsure if I wanted to go through with my plans. I love traveling -- and have wanted to visit the Southwest forever -- but I've been worried about money and some health concerns. (More about that eventually.) Part of me wanted nothing more than to stay home trying to get some work done, focusing on maintaining balance in my life and snuggling with my kitties.




However, the plane ticket and two hotel rooms were already paid for, and I was all packed, so I went. I flew Allegiant Air from Missoula to Las Vegas. (Allegiant is our bargain airline for cheap, direct flights to Vegas.) Once there, I was confronted with a car-rental snafu -- I'd booked a car with Advantage, but they had neglected to inform me that I couldn't drive to Colorado in it. (And they weren't very apologetic, either. Jerks.) Teary meltdown narrowly averted, I ended up renting a little Chevy Cobalt from National. It was black with a spoiler, just like my beloved Subaru Impreza. Perfect. I'd be living out of it for the next week.

After a detour at Boot Barn on Las Vegas Boulevard (I didn't buy anything, but tried on several pairs for future reference. Want these.), I checked into the Bellagio Hotel, where I've dreamed of staying since first seeing it in 2005. It's very elegant, albeit in that fake, over-the-top Las Vegas way. The fountains out front are simply exquisite -- I could, and did, watch them for hours. My room was nice but not really exceptional, although I liked the glass shower and deep bathtub. I canceled the ridiculously expensive Ashiatsu massage I had scheduled -- it sounded like so much fun, but I couldn't justify spending that much money -- and instead went for a swim and soak in the Bellagio's lovely pool and jacuzzi.




I treated myself to a birthday dinner at the Bellagio buffet, feasting on prime rib, king crab and shrimp. Then I wandered around, watching the fountains and losing $20 in the casino. (Gambling bores me. I don't like throwing away money.) I went back to my room and finished my birthday night with a couple of long phone calls with friends and one of the best bubble baths I've ever taken.




Day 2 didn't consist of much, just sleeping in, checking out, stocking up on groceries at the Whole Foods on The Strip, and driving north toward Zion National Park in the rain and holiday traffic. I spent the night in a Motel 6 in St. George, Utah. After the birthday splurge of Bellagio, the rest of the trip would be on a budget. That's okay. I'd been feeling a little poor and sad at Bellagio, but thanks to nudges from Mama Gena and my wise friend Gay, I ended up committing myself to squeezing every possible drop of fun and enjoyment out of the rest of my trip. I remembered that pleasure isn't about spending money (although money certainly doesn't hurt). It's about making the most of each moment, no matter what the circumstances.

That mental shift helped me get in gear for what ended up being an awesome road trip. Stay tuned for more.

posted by Patia  7:19 PM