Recently, I celebrated my long-awaited twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas. It was a weekend to (not) remember and it did not disappoint. Here are a few things I learned whilst finally gaining the title of "legal."
1. Drinks are expensive.
When I walked in a bar and saw a drink for $36, all I could think is that I better be drinking pure gold at that price.
2. Even though I can now legally expand my horizons, frat-party beers will always remain my favorite.
It's just cheap and goes down easier, plus I don't wake up with that bad of a hangover. Plus, it's easier remembering that name of a beer over an "octa-tini cosmopolitan."
3. Cups can come in the shape of anything.
From a duck to a boot - you can get any shape or size for $15-pus and that's not including the actual drink.
4. Clubs are just like Hollister.
Dark, loud, and smelly from the overused perfume. Can I have a flashlight, earplugs, and something to cover this obnoxious smell?
5. Slot machines require no real skill.
Just press the buttons and cross your fingers. Maybe I'm just bitter from the $5 I lost.
6. Wearing any type of sash will get you a lot of randoms talking to you and your occasional free drink.
"Is it your birthday?" ... No, I just wear a sash every day that says, 'It's my birthday'.
7. Many bars don't have menus.
I had no idea that there wasn't a menu of what they served, I figured out you just have to look at the wall of alcohol and choose, but I would still like to know how much my drink will be and what's in it before purchase.
8. I should study more drinks because my limited knowledge left me with a weekend of beer and screwdrivers.
I've only ever really heard of a screwdriver - so when I couldn't figure out what to call a tequila and ginger ale, I just settled for my go to drink, corona light with a lime.
9. Women don't always get in free.
This one shocked me. There was still a cover charge of $20 to get in for ladies at some clubs/bars. #HardPassOnThatOne (But remember the sash can cover that cover charge sometimes, so it can be a good investment).
10. Open bars can make the entry fee worth it.
I didn't expect to get a good drink, but in the end I got a screwdriver basically only using OJ for a splash of color. Two drinks could easily add up to the entrance fee in the long run. (Revert back to point #1).
11. Suddenly dinner became a way more expensive meal.
So did breakfast and lunch, but the mimosas are always worth it.
12. Bar stamps are a real thing and in the morning you could wake up with a sleeve of them that won't come off in the shower no matter how hard you try.
But it helps you remember where you were if it was one of those nights.
13. The same exact beer will vary in price everywhere you go.
It's the same amount and type of beer, but a bottle of Corona can be $4 in one place and $7 in another.
14. Dancing like the white girl I am is totally acceptable in all bars and clubs.
Don't worry, everyone else is doing it and you can't really see anyone's face anyway.
15. You can literally walk in anywhere and not be afraid of being carded anymore.
It's so nice to just pull out your ID and smile in the bouncer's face. Plus, I can finally walk on the carpets in Vegas without getting yelled at.
16. Yardsticks are the most obnoxious yet necessary 21st birthday cups/purchase.
You hate that you love them. It's just a must on your birthday.
17. The pain of having to get someone to buy for you is officially no longer a worry of yours.
I can wait to the last minute and no have to text everyone in my contacts to buy the beer for the party I'm having in an hour.
18. Dressing comfortably is way more important than looking good.
The clubs are dark anyway and you don't want to carry your heels all night or have to pee in a romper. (Yes, I made that mistake).
19. Finding a spot at the bar or getting the bartender's attention can be harder than you think.
After 20 minutes of no service, it's time to move on to the next place or you need to squeeze in between those two bar stools and wave the nice man down.
20. A good group of friends is all you need for a fun night out.
Bring out the friends who would hold your hair but will also dance on the bar with you.
21. You realize that the thrill of drinking is almost lost, but now have matured to social drinking.
It's still fun to go out and have a drink with friends, but you no longer have the desire to chug an entire case of beer by yourself, in fear you'll never be able to get someone to buy for you again. You now have the power...use it wisely!
