Here we were in the midst of Sin City ready to see the sites and have a good time. And the day began with Bernadette handing me an envelope. “Happy Father’s Day,” she whispered with a kiss. And in the envelope was an amazing card that made me feel like I had squished onions in my eyes. Bernadette always picks the best cards. It was going to be a perfect day. Gordie was off for an overnight camp adventure at Buddies Paw Care and Grooming, and Bernadette and I were off alone… in Las Vegas. On Father’s Day!
We had plans for a cool time walking the many hotels along the main strip, but the weather had other plans as the heat soared to 109 degrees farenheit (over 44 degrees celsius). Even taking Gordie to the doggie care was a chore. “Peter. You can’t let him walk on the hot pavement. You must carry him,” instructed Bernadette. Gordie just looked up and smiled as I danced him safely across the hot-coals-like asphalt to Buddies.
So, our plans for a fun day and night in Vegas changed slightly to: stay cool, stay indoors and stay calm midst the crowd of crazies that seem to always swarm this crazy city. Off we went to watch the gondoliers at the Venetian.
The hotels along the Vegas strip are all beautiful in their own way, but we particularly like the Venetian. Mainly because it brings back special memories of a long weekend spent with special friends a few years back, and also because it brings us back to a wonderful visit we had years ago in Venice, Italy. We loved Venice. There is no denying the romance of being shuttled in a gondola on a scenic tour along the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge, and other nooks in crannies in that historic city. In Vegas, the gondoliers weave you through canals banked by shops, restaurants and tourists taking pictures all the time. Still romantic. Just different.
At some point as we were walking around, Bernadette suggested that I might need a new shirt to go with the t-shirt I had been wearing for a few days. So off we went. Shopping for me on Father’s Day! I hit the jackpot and quickly snapped up two fashionable shirts. One has so many colours in it, I think it could go with any colour of pants ever made. So super cool.
All was going swimmingly until the saleslady said, “Good thing you aren’t going to a show tonight, because you can’t take bags into the show.” Well, of course we had tickets to a show. We were going to see the Cirque de Soleil’s Love production at the Mirage which is an homage to the Beatles and their music. Since Ladybug was about 30 minutes away by cab, we had to find another way to store our bags. The saleslady suggested that we talk to the Concierge at the Mirage. Which meant that someone had to go outside in that scorching heat, scoot across eight lanes of traffic, and walk/limp to the Mirage.
Bernadette stared at me. So, I volunteered.
I left my darling on a bench inside the air conditioned Venetian Hotel. I got her a tall, cold bottle of water and said, “If I don’t make it back, tell the children and grand children that I love them. Especially on Father’s Day.”
“You’ll be fine,” reassured Bernadette. “Maybe it won’t be as hot now?” It was noon, and she was wrong. I stepped out into a sensation that only those poor souls entering Hell for the first time might experience. “Holy crap! This is brutal. This is hot as Hell!” I took off.
By the time the Mirage was in view, it felt like I was seeing an actual mirage. The hotel was waving eerily at me as I blinked through blistering beads of sweat. “Must keep going.” I muttered to myself. “Have to find a safe place for our bags. And my new Father’s Day shirts.”
Heroically, I made it to the Conciege’s desk. She looked startled when she saw me for the first time. “Sir. Are you okay? Did someone throw a bucket of water at you?”
“No.” I said. “I just walked across the street in this Hellish heat.”
The kindly Concierge took pity on me and agreed to keep our bags at her desk until after the show. I returned to Bernadette who took one look at her dripping husband and also took pity on me. “Honey, I think you need a cold beer.” I almost cried. “Thank you,” I croaked. “That sounds like a really good Father’s Day idea.” And off we went.
Later, we enjoyed our show at the Mirage. Anyone who has ever been to a Cirque de Soleil performance knows they are always special. The acrobatics are mind blowing, mystical, magical and fun. This particular performance has been running at the Mirage for the past 18 years. As it is set to close in July, we were fortunate to see one of the last shows.
It was an amazing night watching the performers swing, flip and defy gravity to the ageless hit songs of the Beatles. It was a special way to end our time in Vegas. The last song of the evening summed up the show, “All You Need is Love.” And as the song finished with all of the performers on the stage and all of the audience on their feet, I put my arm around Bernadette and smiled as the song tailed off, “All you need is love. Love is all you need.” I am so lucky to have my special love. She is all I need.
Vegas baby! Best Father’s Day ever.