It's great to be here in the US today of all days. I had thought to say 'happy birthday' to Americans we meet. But I overheard one American woman at dinner the other night say "happy fourth" to someone she knew. So, I've followed suit. "Happy fourth!", I've said to some folks, and the instant reply comes: "Happy fourth!"
There are noticeably more people in town now, given the 4th of July long weekend. The crowds have swelled somewhat, and the number of $10 minimum bet tables are fewer. The $5 tables are virtually non-existent. Martinis and all other drinks, though, are still free if you're at the gaming tables. If you don't want to gamble, but instead just sit in the bar in the rotunda (at the Paris Casino) or admire the fancy layout, just hang near a table and pretend you're gambling. Then, holler a waitress, and say "Make mine a Martini, please". Then, when the Martini arrives, slip the waitress a $1 tip, and just disappear again. The waitress either doesn't notice you're not gambling or doesn't care. She's running off to get or deliver the next lot of drinks. She's probably earning a minimum of $60 an hour in tips anyway. The croupiers at the tables never notice. They're focusing on the playing cards being dealt, or the chips on the table, or where the roulette wheel ball lands. No one cares. Sometimes someone orders an expensive cocktail, but before it arrives, they cash in their chips and take 'em elsewhere. The cocktail arrives and no one claims it. The person who wanted it will just ask for another wherever they've gone.
This morning, we had a buffet breakfast in Le Village Buffet at the Paris Casino. Shortly, thereafter, we watched Germany defeat France in the World Cup. We then popped over to the Cosmopolitan Casino for coffee, where I knew I could get lactose-free milk in my coffee. There, we started to watch the Brazil v Colombia game. A Black Jack table was opening up, so we decided to play. I popped to the 'restroom' quickly, and returned to find Jean completely surrounded by six young, Indian women madly engrossed in Black Jack and the free cocktails. They'd not long arrived and loved 'Vegas. Eventually, I got to play too. As we left the Cosmopolitan, we spotted some idiot bringing his dog into the casino. I said maybe the dog wants to play 'Black Jack Russell'!
After that, we returned to the Paris Casino. I had a required Martini-free day yesterday, but that was yesterday. However, I'm taking it easy. The other night, I was drinking Cosmo-Martinis. I'm now imbibing another kind, with raspberry in it. So sweet, and so moorish. I had thought to say 'shaken, not stirred', but I reckon they probably hear that one all the time.
After dinner, we proceeded to the roof of the Marriott's Grand Chateau to watch the fireworks. They were due to commence at 9pm. On the horizon in all directions, fireworks were being let off in the far flung corners of Las Vegas. Just not on the Strip. The minutes ticked by with nothing happening. Many American hotel guests were camped out with us waiting. Finally, after 9.15 pm, the fireworks limped into action, erupting above the Caesars Palace Casino. They were a bit of a let down really, there being no comparison with the fireworks in Sydney at New Year's Eve.
We returned to the Paris Casino. Jean did quite well on the roulette table in the Etoile section. She lost a little on Black Jack, and a little more on the chocolate wheel (Big Six).
I had a grand total of six Martinis today. Two days ago, I felt quite affected by approximately five Martinis. But tonight I was fine. That seems to be the secret. Have an even number of Martinis! And I discovered French Cosmo Martinis! A waitress brought me a Martini, but she thought I might like to try one with champagne in it too. So, I was walking round with two Martinis at once! Even better!
No comments:
Post a Comment