Leaving the Rabbit Behind

Today is the Chinese New Year, kicking the Rabbit out and bringing in the Year of the Dragon. Chinese zodiac explains the Dragon as a big year for big things to come. The Rabbit represented a calm year in politics, war and personal life. Things should have a consistent flow and went by pretty smoothly the last twelve months. Now life is about to get a little more dramatic and a high energy will be in the air. Events and happenings will still exist but more with a dramatic flair and earlier in the year. The Dragon also represents karma so it is predicted things that will happen can either be really good or really bad depending on what is meant to be. Lucky for me, I strive to be a good person so hopefully this year I won’t get burned by the Dragon.

With that being said, I did manage to live out the Year of the Rabbit by bouncing around all weekend to some new spots and revisited some old ones. I went to more spots in 24 hours than I usually attend in a week. That’s what usually happens though when there are people to entertain. Saturday I woke up early and got ready to head to ghostbar dayclub. It’s been a hot minute since I have been there and it is still cracking. Even with the wind strong enough to blow a small person over, people still filled the patio that overlooks the entire city of Las Vegas. There were some fun characters dressed up, confetti every hour or so and of course the infamous piñata. I brought a few friends that had yet to see the crazy shenanigans and were impressed with how crazy people can be during the day. It is no different than the crazy pool parties but with more clothes… for some people. We left the party only an hour before it ended and headed to a local PT’s for happy hour and pizza to refuel.

Later that night I went to check out Hyde Lounge at the Bellagio for my first time… Since it‘s been open. I got sneak peek so I knew it was going to be good, but a venue always looks different when it is filled with people. Hyde is smaller and intimate, reminding me a lot of Blush. It could have been because I ran into about ten people I knew. It has the boutique nightclub feel but still can be considered an ultra-lounge. The patio has the best view with front row seats of the Bellagio fountains going off every twenty minutes. The music is mixed with a bit a house, hip-hop and top hits. The dance floor is small and fills up fast. I didn’t see any go-go dancers during the time I was there, but there were a couple of unique role players. Two women were sitting in chairs on opposite sides of the dance floor dressed in saran wrap material dresses, bounded by ropes and blindfolded. They didn’t dance around, just sat there and every moment moved around like they were struggling to get free. Their roles switched later when they opened gift boxes and pulled out teapots to pour “fire” in teacups. It is a strange thing, but I have to admit it is entertaining. I like Hyde, it is a great spot when you want to get a table but not manage to get lost in a big nightclub. I am always a fan of more intimate spot[s] especially when I’m with friends that I want to enjoy my time with.

After Hyde, we went off to the Mirage to check out 1 OAK. It is always hard to go into a place that has been remodeled when one of your past favorite nightclubs was once placed there. JET Nightclub was my first nightclub I have ever seen in my life so it will forever hold a nostalgic spot in my life. Walking into 1 OAK reminded of JET with the same routine and the nightclub itself still has some reminisce. The main room still exists but is a lot bigger because the “house” room was removed. The main bar that was on the left was moved forward and smaller, but the bar on the right still remained. Carpet replaced the bare floors making actually a lot easier to move around the club in heels. The DJ booth has been moved to the left side where the main bar was but the dance floor is still in the same spot with tables surrounding it. There is still a back room, but I think they reserve it for special groups or VIPs because it was closed to the public on Saturday. The club has a “rich” décor atmosphere with a red 1 OAK sign center stage and large safari animal prints on the walls. The place was packed and tables were sold out, which came as no surprise on a Saturday. 1 OAK has yet to announce its Industry Night, but I have a feeling this place will stay in of the game for quite some time.

I don’t even know what time we got home that evening, but I didn’t get a lot of sleep because I woke up early hung-over and starving. I love going to DW Bistro for dinner, but had yet been there for its brunch. I heard it was great, which I would expect because they have never failed me. The brunch was just as amazing as I’ve heard and $20 for unlimited mimosas is a great deal. Of course I ran into a few people there as well just proving Vegas is the smallest city in the world. Either that or Vegas locals just know a good spot when they have found it.

So now that the Rabbit has left, hopefully I will snatch up some of the Dragon’s energy as more events, parties and travels are to come; and the year has just begun.