Everyone dreams of meeting their favorite actor, singer or YouTube vlogger. On the Las Vegas Strip, I have been fortunate enough to experience some of these crazy encounters. One of these encounters included a fast-paced car chase down the Las Vegas Strip, but I’ll save that story for last.
I actually had the extreme pleasure of working on the Strip for two years. No, I did not partake in anything illegal or immoral; not everyone on the Strip is a sinner. I worked in a family friendly arcade where I saw quite a few distinguished faces.
First, we had a famous NBA basketball player whose name and team I totally forgot since I don’t follow basketball whatsoever (sorry). But, my male coworkers were quite excited to see him in the flesh.
Then there was Nicolas Cage whose fame comes from either movies, or memes. He's insanely tall in person and loves to play old style Marvel vs. Capcom games.
Have you ever heard of the Property Brothers? I didn't know who they were until I found out that they were going to be filming at my job. It was exciting that they would be featuring our hotel on their nationally famous television show. Hopefully, it brought in more business, but I did leave my arcade job shortly after that.
YouTube sensation Ryan Higa also made an appearance at the arcade after my resignation. Needless to say, I was in tears, as all of my ex-coworkers got the chance to capture a selfie with him. I'm still salty to this day.
A few months ago, I actually met my favorite band after their concert at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. If you have yet to listen to Marianas Trench, you are missing out. They are a well-known pop-rock band from Canada that released four incredible albums since 2008. My fangirl heart raced as I got to meet, hug and take selfies with all four of the members including lead singer, Josh Ramsay.
Have you ever committed a high-speed chase just to get close to your idol? No? Just me?
Huang Zitao, also known as Tao, was best known for his role in Korean-Pop group, EXO. To most people in Vegas, he was just another tourist, but to my friend and I, he was someone we could not resist meeting.
It all began when we drove to the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino. While we were driving, there was none other than Tao driving in his black Ferrari. I immediately made a U-turn and stepped on it leading into a speedy chase down the Las Vegas Strip. Unfortunately, we lost him after too many red lights.
A few hours later, we traced our tracks back to the Cosmopolitan and although we lost hope, we saw Tao himself walking into the hotel lobby. We caught his eye and he waved and smiled at us. Standing in front of us was Tao. Tall, beautiful, gorgeous, handsome Tao. I could not explain my shock and excitement in this moment.
We ended up getting his autograph and a hug from him, but I will never forget the excitement of actually meeting him, and all the adventures we had that day just to find him.
Have you ever met anyone famous?