I got back from my weekend trip to Las Vegas last night. It was just a brother thing; four of us, including my twin brother, left for the weekend on a five hour trip to Vegas in celebration of our twenty-first birthday. The unfortunate part was that one of our brethren wasn't able to make it, for reasons I shall not disclose.

Overall, it was one of the best weekends I had in a long time. There was something immensely satisfying about being able to walk through the casinos all by myself without a parent or older friend/family member having to escort me around. It was nice to be able to buy my own jack and coke for the first time in my life -- and it was quite delicious too. There were so many options open to me now in this town; a place that, in all of my previous visits, was largely closed to me save for the hotel room, the pool, and the occasional arcade here and there.

The best part, however, wasn't really that I finally had access to most if not all of the things Vegas has to offer for those of age. Quite honestly, it was being able to get out and do things with my brothers. A part of me feels ashamed that I've never said this to their faces, but it truly was the best part. Of late, I've had little to no time to really spend time with my family -- in part due to time constraints thanks to work, school, or other plans and in part due to... issues currently plaguing us. So, it was truly amazing to be hanging out.

We stayed at the Riviera, which is further down the northern end of the strip. It wasn't the best spot when considering most of the best places are down the other way, but it was hardly a complaint since the room was fairly inexpensive. I had no problems walking anyway, as it gave us ample opportunity to do some sight-seeing and explore some of the fancier hotels (Planet Hollywood, by the way, is amazing inside!). It was also better to walk during the day anyway, since the streets were so cluster-fucked with traffic.

I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything else. I think I needed it. Not to celebrate my birthday, but just because I needed to get out for a couple days. It certainly helped. However, I'm also glad to be back home.