Jason and I didn’t except to end up in Vegas less than two months after our last visit but we did. Jason was asked to attend some meetings at the Consumer Electronics Show, the largest show of its kind in the world, at the last minute and my winter semester hadn’t started yet so I agreed to tag along with him to Sin City.

You already know my tenacious opinions of Vegas so I’ll skip the psych analysis on humanity and just get to the happenings on this particular trip.

Jason and I wasted no opportunities to eat well while in Vegas. We dined at Javier’s, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, and Bobby’s Burger Palace. Emeril’s was a little disappointing to be honest, probably because I have high expectations when it comes to grits.

Additionally, we went to a couple shows. David Copperfield’s magic was full of childish wonder and, unexpectedly, had a plot line. I think little kids would love his program and we big kids liked it too. We also caught the Jabbawockeez production called Dreamz. The Jabbawockeez crew, with their signature white masks and gloves, put on quite an entertaining show. Their mix of hip-hop, popping, b-boying, and humor was easy to watch.

I spent an afternoon wandering the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) while Jason was there hobnobbing with potential clients. Incidentally, in case you are ever inclined to attend CES, be aware that it is not open to the public and it is terribly difficult to convince the registration personnel of your credentials if you don’t have a business card. I’m a published scientist and it’s a lot harder to feign publication than to fabricate a business card. Yet, without a card, they were not going to let me in regardless. Fortunately, an overseer saw my logic and granted me a pass. CES was massive and sent me into overload mode quickly but it was fun drifting through the booths full of everything from talking ovens to guitar-playing robots.

My favorite thing about Vegas on this occasion wasn’t the food or entertainment but the sunshine. It was unusually overcast in Vegas during our stay but the sun did come out one afternoon for a bit and so did I. It felt decadent to read a book in a tank top by the pool in the middle of winter. Forget gambling and other debauchery, just give me some sunshine and I will feel like I won the jackpot.

Vegas wouldn’t have been my first vacation choice but, I have to admit, the sunshine was incredible and the restaurants and diversions weren’t half bad either.