Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I’d ever remember Vegas with affection. In my conservative, nerdy mind, I didn’t belong there. I’d seen movies and TV shows depicting drunken nights, accidental marriages and the kind of drama I reserved for people on reality TV shows. What would a goody-two-shoes – affectionately nicknamed a Cadbury by her husband for her glass-and-a-half drink maximum and early bed time – do in Sin City?

But, at my husband’s insistence, and begrudgingly I might add, I packed my bags post-wedding and agreed to four days and nights in the city that spawned many a song, dance and hollywood flick, and I survive to tell my tale.

Turns out, there’s so much more to Vegas than meets the eye. So much more than gambling and parties. Sure, a lot of it is just plain excess, but hey, there are epic shopping outlets and five star restaurants and casinos that take you to Venice and Paris. And shows to delight your senses.

If there’s one thing that Vegas taught me it’s this: it is always possible to be surprised.

USA