Monday and Tuesday I was with three other couples in AC. This was my first visit for a long time. We were staying in our favorite casino, and arrived early Monday to get on the table opening at 10am. It is now the only table open during the week. A couple of dealers knew me, but most have either been furloughed or retired or went elsewhere. I had a couple of good rolls, and then gave over my spot. The casino director saw me, and gave me a big hug and a kiss, saying he knew how difficult it is for me, but how good it was to see me again. He made me feel so welcome and happy. There were some up and down rolls, but we each had a profit at that time. Disappointing to me, is that they rarely have Pai Gow, my other favorite game. The six of us had dinner together, which was a nice reminder of the good old days.

Tuesday, four of us started off in the same casino, where I had a couple of good rolls, won my three $5 match plays on my rolls, and then went to our other favorite casino. (One couple went home, and the other went to a different casino.) There were more dealers who knew me, but didn’t know about Charlie’s passing, so I had to tell them. My casino host came down to give me a welcome hug, and gave me an upgraded player’s card. We had lunch here, and I had a couple of teen rolls, repeating 6’s and 8’s, and then gave up my spot.

We went back to our home base, where the table was empty, so we played some more. My friends decided to go to another casino, but I wasn’t interested, and went up to my room. When my key wouldn’t let me swipe in, I went to get another key. When that one didn’t work, I went and spoke with Carlos, the front desk manager. He said I need a new lock, and a locksmith would come in 20 minutes. I said there is a keyhole, and why couldn’t someone open the door while waiting? Carlos promised a security man in 5 minutes. He didn’t show for 15 minutes, while I waited in and un-air conditioned hallway, ready to pass out. He stated he was on another floor, and had to go downstairs to get a master key. Why don’t they carry one in case of emergency? Ten minutes later, Carlos calls to say there is no locksmith until morning! The room next to me was empty, and he came up to move me over. If I had had an emergency, I could have died before they could open the door. Why no locksmith available 24/7? I would think that, and the master key situation, could leave them open to a lawsuit.

I had been complaining bitterly to Carlos, and apologized, saying I knew he wasn’t responsible, but that he was the one there. I also said I had come with other friends, whom I had been texting about the fiasco. Carlos apologized, and said to make up for it, he would put a $100 voucher for food and beverage on my room, and to use it before I check out. Well, that was good PR.

But, that’s not quite the end. Fifteen minutes later, at 11:15pm, there is a loud banging on this new room door. “Who is it?” I yelled. “Did you call about an ac/heating problem?” “No!!!” I yelled. Now who the heck was that? I doubt I will stay in that casino again.

At 8:30am, I called my friends and asked if they would like a very expensive breakfast before going to the table at 10:00am. Unfortunately, hard as we tried, we only spent $57, so we took some calzones from the food court, wrapped in foil, to take home. I didn’t want to leave any free money behind.

With the exception of the door lock, I did enjoy myself after so long. That’s the advantage of GTC: being with friends to play our game of craps, have meals together, and socialize. I am sure all the new students will also make friends, and form groups with whom to play.

Goddess

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