12.08.2022: ready to go
The drive to Munich went completely smoothly, so we arrived at the airport a good four hours before departure. Check-in, security, and leaving Europe all happened at record speed, leaving us with a relaxed hour and a half to spare before boarding.
Boarding itself came with a little twist — I was “randomly” selected for an extended check (as always 🙄). Belt off again, shoes off, and every single piece of camera gear unpacked and inspected.
The Finnair flight was excellent… right up until about an hour before Vegas. Thunderstorms and a sandstorm forced us into a wide detour while waiting for a better landing window. When we finally began our descent, things got interesting — some seriously rough turbulence and full-on rollercoaster vibes 🤮🤪😫, followed by a textbook go-around and an extra loop over the Hoover Dam.
In the end, we touched down safely. We picked up our “small” rental car, checked into the hotel, and collapsed into bed — completely exhausted, but very much arrived.
The first steps
After an intense and exhausting travel day, today was all about sleeping in and taking breakfast seriously. We decided to eat at Citizens in the Mandalay Bay — and wow… the portions were massive. We’ll definitely need some time to adjust to the fact that everything here is simply bigger 🤣😂🤪.
To get properly set up for the road trip ahead, a Walmart run was next on the agenda. Yumi, Celina, and Emilia chose to fully commit to the pool life, so only the adults plus Leni headed out. And honestly — shopping at Walmart is an experience in itself.
We also put the 🥶 cooler box 🥶 tip into action (special thanks to @Max 😂👊🏼).
Back at the hotel, it was time to relax poolside. Margaritas 🍹🍹, Mai Tais, and a well-earned beer 🍺🍻 did the rest 🤣🤣😂.
Tonight, we’ll hit the Strip, drift through the sea of lights, and let Las Vegas do its thing.
