Connecting with Little Sister in Vegas!

August 11, 2022- Las Vegas- the city that never sleeps. I know people know that description as New York, but it was true for me in Vegas. People said "goodnight" to me at 4:30AM! 

Mei invited me to join her in Las Vegas to watch Nerysta Anastone (Rachelle) at the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion Competition. Thought this would be fun and so I said: YES!

Our first meal in Vegas was a Ramen lunch! Happy to enjoy the AC at Ramen-Ya!

Cooled off with a swim in the pool at Polo Towers. Lot's of kids splashing around. I know I'll miss kids during this sabbatical year. 

More walking and seeing the sights after dinner and woah a thunderstorm hits the town. Rather than waiting for the storm to die down, I say: Let's go! and we walk two blocks back to the hotel. We are DRENCHED! It was crazy fun! 

Icing the plantar fasciitis feet and rolled ankle that have been bothering me for months now. 

Hiked Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon National Park. Only two miles. Took us three hours, started at 7:40 and finished at 10:40AM. Dessert heat. We had what was needed: water, hats, proper shoes, sunscreen. We loved shade, steps, the breeze, beautiful layers of rocks. 

We ate at China Mama. I was so impressed with the fried design on the pan fried baos. My mouth is agape as the waiter explains how it's water and flour and the hot oil separates the liquid and makes this design in the pan. 

First time having a mango pomelo yogurt drink at Yomei's. REALLY yummy and refreshing. Different from having a boba drink/tea. 

Watched America's Got Talent at the Luxor Theater. Our favorites were Light Balance, Lea Kyle with her quick dress change, and Kodi Lee who is blind and autistic and sings beautifully. 

Lovely flower arrangements in the Aria. 

Had brunch in the patio garden at Salt and Ivy. Worth the wait to get in. We waited forever for our food though. But we weren't in a rush, so it was okay. Refreshing watermelon drinks and divine German blueberry lemon curd pancake. 

We arrived at Paris hotel for the World's Beauty Fitness and Fashion Competition and 

walked the red carpet!

The competition was amazing and Rachelle reached her goal of making it into the top 10. 

She was so happy! We also celebrated her birthday with her! Rachelle is such an inspiration. 

Brains, Braun,  and Beauty!

With 2.5 hours of sleep, we got to Harry Reid Airport/Las Vegas for a 6:30 AM flight home. Only to wait in the security line that was at a stand still. Active Shooter? (no) Unruly passenger... People running through security...We didn't witness this, but Mei read it on Twitter.  We got on our flight at about 7:00 and got home. Only to find out that afternoon that....Mei got Covid. Bummer. Feel better, Mei. 

I had so much fun with you little sister! Let's do it again!