Where to Begin?

I went on an amazing 11-day trip and just got back. The first four days were spent at home sweet home where I got to celebrate my dad and brother's birthday. I also got to see old friends again and party like it's 1969. There is some feeling about home that captivates you and can never be fully articulated.

The next four days were spent in my second (or third) home: Vegas. Part of it was same old, same old. Played poker, had some drinks, ate some food, walked around. A new part surfaced this time and I'm pretty sure I do not like it. After online poker went down I predicted there would be a huge influx of online players in cardrooms everywhere. I was right but man how I wish I was wrong. These new online kids have no respect for the game and zero etiquette. On top of that, they can't shutup about strategy at the table. Immediately after a hand ends, they all have to discuss their "lines" with "ranges" and "merging" and "fold equity". I put those phrases in quotes because I literally heard those exact phrases multiple times both nights I played. How retarded.

The last three days is what this post is really all about. I spent it in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ. Let me just say there is no way to fully describe at this moment what I experienced in Arizona. Part of it is because I had such low expectations going in. I never heard a good thing about that place and even people who live there say it's so boring. I definitely think that is not the case. While I would never live there, I think it's definitely a place I would visit multiple times in my life.

I'll start with the hikes. I'm not a huge nature geek and also not a huge hiker but man was it worth every drop of sweat hiking the two mountains we did. The view up top was beautiful but the hike itself was such an accomplishment. Camelback was the hardest hike I have ever done hands down but it was definitely the most rewarding.

The bars and clubs were also pretty sweet. The one we went to was called Axis-Radius and it was about twice the size of Stingaree and much nicer. This other place we went to called Hula's Modern Tiki was also very nice. Both places had affordable drinks and strong ones at that.

The food in Arizona is amazing. You would never think that because...well, why would there be good food in the middle of the desert? Well let me tell you I'm a huge foodie and I enjoyed all five meals I had there. My best experience was probably the Italian Grotto. Food was excellent but service was what really set this place apart. It had a carefree environment where it felt like everybody was your server and they were all joking and making fun of each other. The homemade pasta and sausage there were excellent. I didn't order it for my entree but I tried my friend's dish and it was so good I ordered a sausage for dessert. That's right. With a side of marinara sauce.

Now the final selling point of Arizona: the company. And by that I mean the people. There are some ridiculously good looking people there. Before I continue I just want to make it clear that Briana totally agrees with me. We were both shocked like, "Why are they all hiding in the desert? Is this where they've been this entire time?" If anybody is single, I highly recommend you go there for a week or a month or a year. I can't really describe it any other way, it's just something you have to experience.

After this trip I came home hoping to catch up on some rest. Unfortunately, I came back to a half-flooded apartment and maintenance just finished cutting up the padding underneath the carpet. Tomorrow I have to get up early to let the plumber come in and drill some holes in the floor to fix the pipes then maintenance is coming back to redo the carpet. Joy. Maybe I'll finally get some rest tomorrow afternoon..