I had somehow survived 28 years living in Los Angeles without making the pilgrimage to the city of sin, a fact that surprised every cab driver and nearly everyone else. Much preferring an early night, fresh air, and quiet nature, the aggressively lit and debaucherous Vegas scene had never appealed and despite plenty of opportunities, I thought I might survive an entire lifetime without a trip to Vegas. Until I was invited to a scuba diving industry trade show to speak at a seminar to a room full of dive retailers and manufactures about how to attract more young people to the sport. That and the world premiere of Drop Zone, the surf and dive film starring fellow Body Glove team members Alex Gray, Cheyne Magnussen and I at the Hard Rock Hotel.
I had already read Hunter Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas twice, but considered bringing it along on the plane just to get in the mood. It was a short ride, hardly long enough to get through the most recent political coverage of Time and Newsweek magazines. On the final approach I looked out the window at the concrete and neon oasis in the desert. What is that big sand mountain, I wondered. Feeling the pull of nature much stronger than lights and loud music.
Fortunately for my entertainment and sanity, my boyfriend Ryan took a day off work and flew in to meet me and show me around Vegas.
On the first night, team Body Glove rented a limo to cruise the strip and make some strategic stops along the way.
Two of Body Glove's sexiest men, Cheyne Magnussen and Alex Gray.
Drop Zone premiere!
I had to try a little gambling, but after only $2 and 100% loss rate, I decided I was done.
Late night diner action
So, it wasn't as bad as I had thought, but nowhere near as great as people have claimed. I went, I saw, I gambled, and I went home with my finances and preference for nature intact. My financial success in the stock market lately, is another story.....
