TOWNSVILLE vs VEGAS

Trix, l think you and l may be just a minority of customers, just check out the six to five Black Jack payout on offer at the moment at most casinos. Being Australian, all l can say is BAAAH. [ Sarcasm, meaning sheep.]

 

Yes 93 Octane, l think it will be on my list of things to do in Vegas in the future, however, will have to keep training on those Manhattans before my return. Definitely caught me out, sure l was set up. With my sense of humour, l thought it was great.

 

Ty, hammie gave me the info on this one, plus the club desk staff also told me about this little trick. Maybe, check with them about it when you get there. Just think though, two people, several drinks each, they have got their money. Win, win. Enjoy.

 

Day 16 Wednesday

We got out of bed at our usual time, that being, half the day has gone already. Showered, caffeined and then bolted out the door to catch a south bound bus to the Strip. Destination being The Linq Hotel and Casino.




First though, brunch had to be attended to. There was a two for the price of one voucher in the American Casino Guide book for a San Gennaro Burger at the Venetian Casino food court that we intended to use. But the Pokie Queen had to find a drink vending machine first, to obtain a beverage to go with her brunch. [ yes the hypocrite got one also.] None of that watery crap for the Pokie Queen, she had to have the real thing. We then sat at the tables in the food court and had our burgers and drinks,whilst watching the world pass by. The burgers were voted as being quite good by both of us. however the price without the voucher might be a bit much. Then again, we knew we were at the marble floor end of the Vegas Strip so it did not surprise us.

When the meal was finished, we had a bit of a walk around the casino floor. A few photos were taken and then we headed out onto the Boulevard.






















Once outside, we went straight to The Linq Hotel and Casino. There was something here that l had wanted to see on our last four trips. Just like the Philly Cheese Steak it never seemed to eventuate, for one reason or another. l think gambling may have got in the way, along with beer drinking. To the very back of the complex we headed.





Yeah, we are heading in the right direction. That being the fifth floor of the Linq parking facility, into the lift we go. The doors open, there it is in all it's glory.








To be continued.

 

Day 16 continued.

Entry into this display was free for us, l had downloaded vouchers from internet, otherwise they where charging $12.95 per adult. Paying to see merchandise that was for sale, just did not compute with me. A sample of the how it was presented.








Only for those that are interested.
























































Sorry about some of the photos, the photographer just was not taking things too serious. Hard to get good help these days.





To be continued.

 

Day 16 continued.

It was mid afternoon when we finally finished with the auto display, out onto the boulevard we went. What to do now, that was the question? So as a reward to the Pokie Queen for putting up with my " having to see the collection of cars " l suggested an ice cream. So we wandered over to the Haagan Dazs shop in The Fashion Show Mall to indulge in this little treat. Yes, of course it was a two for the price of one using the American Casino Guide book voucher that we had. Whilst there we went through our options, going to the Ellis Island Casino and Brewery crossed our minds, nah, been there several times. Further out then, there is the Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino which we had not visited before. Agreement was struck, therefore we finished our ice creams and then ventured off in search of a bus heading east along the Flamingo Road.





Upon arrival at the Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino we went inside and found the players desk. There, both of us joined their local club, no freebies or anything of the kind seemed to be on offer. Therefore, a test of the playing conditions given by the machines was the next thing to be done. All the time whilst playing we were checking out the casino, as you do when in a different place for the first time. It definitely did seem to be a locals casino, that l assume was the reason for the poor drink service that l received while l was there. Eventually l did get a Cocktail Waitress to take my order, but, we were long gone before she had returned with my beer [ if she did ]. The Pokie Queen had come up to me with the usual story of no luck to be had, l concurred and we just left the place. Now, l don't want you to think badly about this place, it's just we had no luck and no drink service on this visit. l have full intention of returning there on my next Las Vegas trip, second time could be lucky, although they say the third is.

Outside we grabbed a bus back to the Strip, once onboard the Pokie Queen recognized a couple of her fellow travellers. She pointed them out to me, all l could say to this was, maybe we have been in Las Vegas for to long. We have been told before by people that live there, that they just about consider us as locals. This could be the reason why we tend to be not get hassled by the sales people on the street / casino much anymore. Yes, you would be right in thinking that we dress down whilst there, no Vegas clothing for us. Never carry around any alcohol around with us, plus, never appear to be surprised by the things you see and hear.


Once on the Boulevard we jumped on a north bound bus and travelled a couple of blocks before getting off at the Desert Inn Road. The plan here being, the Pokie Queen could go through the shops as we walked our way to the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Conclusion, Las Vegas souvenirs for the first timers, no harm done, filled in some time. Went through the Slots - A - Fun Casino on our way into the Circus Circus Casino, had a quick look around, heard the magic six to five words and then left.





The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino would be getting our money this time, only because they send offers to me. First though. we had to get safely through the Las Vegas Bermuda Triangle.















To be continued.

 

Day 16 continued.

The duration of play here was the time it took for me to drink one beer. We both added to the Stratosphere Hotel and Casinos coffers, then left. The casino itself is not a bad place to play, it's just not in the right position on the Strip for easy access as far as we were concerned. Out on the street it was now dark, so we crossed the road to get to the bus stop and there caught a bus heading back to Fremont Street.





Once there, we went back to our room at the El Cortez Casino to carry out some repairs on yours truly. Diddums couldn't handle the pace set by the Pokie Queen so it seems, usually it's the other way round. Bugger fashion is her motto now, [ learnt the hard way ] comfortable shoes is a must on our holidays these days. When we go somewhere, we want to see the lot, no matter what this requires.




[ Lucky for me it was both heels involved, couldn't be getting around uneven now. ]


Patch up work completed, we then went to the Binions Casino for our daily activities. Prizes for today were, one free post mix drink [ booby prize ], a two for one meal voucher. Then on our second spins, two food storage containers [?], plus twenty five dollars of free spins. Each day we received something similar, nothing great l know, but, it was more than the others were offering at that time. Yes, you already know, as always, photos.


With that job out of the way, we then ventured over to the Four Queens Casino for our evening meal at Magnolias Restaurant. Two for one of course, same goes for their great beers from the brewery that they have on site. [ Loving these beers made in the on site breweries that exist at these places.] A little bit of play was had after our meals, so as to enable me to consume my beers at leisure.





When l had finished my beers we left the Four Queens Casino and returned to our room at the El Cortez Casino. There, we had proper diet cola for the Pokie Queen [ Ice required from the machine as we had no fridge in the room, therefore making you go downstairs if you wanted a cold drink.] l had my Canadian Whiskey, plus as always, the great American television shows to watch into the wee hours. Amusement plus as far as l was concerned.

 

Finally getting caught up with this epic report. Agreed, to the uninitiated, one's first Manhattan has a bit of a sting. And unfortunately, some bartenders concoct it like a brown Martini with a light hand on the sweet vermouth. I'm not a fan of Bourbon Manhattans, I prefer Rye or Canadian, which is typically a blend with a Rye component.

I am curious though, how do you have your Canadian whisky whilst watching American boob tube?

The 107 Sky Lounge has Early Happy Hour 4pm – 7pm Daily, Half Price Appetizers and 2-for-1 Cocktails. Plus a Late Happy Hour 10:30pm – 1am Half Price Appetizers / 1am – 4am 2-for-1 Cocktails.

 

Day 17 Thursday [ Winding it up now everyone ]

Woke up this morning to our first ever American Thanks Giving Day, l wondered what we had in store for us today. Did our usual morning ritual and then proceeded down stairs to Fremont Street. The plan was to have a two for one buffet at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, great idea, until we got there. No way was l going to stand in that line up of people and wait for a table, just to have a meal. ln the back of my mind l was half expecting this would happen, everybody was out for the special day. lt was great to see people enjoying themselves. Now l understood what was going on, if a person took Friday off work, they would have a four day weekend. Hence, the dearer room rates, plus our more expensive flights back to L.A. on Saturday.





The decision was then made to go to the Fremont Hotel and Casino and try out the Chinese Combo at the Lanai Express Café. Spotted this on Tuesday when we were buying our shrimp cocktails, wanted to give it a try. lt seemed to be a very busy place which indicates to me that the food must be pretty good. The prices were excellent value for the product you received. This was one of the few meals that we paid the full amount for on this trip. As was expected the food was rather good, but you definitely get dished up way too much. The Pokie Queen commented later that we could have shared a meal between us if we had known this before ordering. Remember my previous comments on the quantity of food and the number of meals each day whilst in Las Vegas. Appetites contented, we went back out onto the street and wandered down to the end of the canopy at the corner of Main and Fremont Streets. Looking over the road we spied the Plaza Hotel and Casino, well that would have to be our next bit of entertainment, what could possible go wrong with that?





To be continued.

 

hammie since you have followed along so far, l think you know the answer to this question already. Frequently.

 

Sorry hammie, reread your post, soda water or just plain tap water, never anything with sugar involved. Can handle about two premixed drinks in cans/bottles and that is about it. Sugar out real quick if you know what l mean. Red wine is my drink of choice when at home.

 

Yikes! Now I understand why a Manhattan cocktail would have a burning taste to you! The typical recipe is four parts whiskey and one part sweet vermouth. I thought you had your whiskey neat or on the rocks.

 

Day 17 continued.

Upon entering the casino we were set upon by a young female host, she told us about her list of offers that seemed to good to be true. We listened politely to her spiel, then declined the offer. [ suspicious ]. Instead we set off for the players club desk where we both signed up. There we were informed, that after earning five points you can claim a free t-shirt, a challenge that was accepted by us. Within thirty minutes we both had a t-shirt in our hands, we then continued on playing their machines lightly. Nothing spectacular to report regarding our play. The decision was then made to leave this casino, but not before confronting the host again regarding the offer she was promoting. Once again l was told of all the great things l would receive when l signed up for the deal. However, this time ,mention was made about a one hour presentation we had to sit through to qualify for the goodies on offer. Time share bullshit, l just laughed as we walked off into the shopping area for a look around. Silly me. l thought that the Plaza Hotel and Casino was trying to drum up some business, that there was no host. Yes, by now l should have known better you would have thought.





Not being able to think of anything better/different to do, we just went back to the Binions Gambling Hall and Hotel for our usual entertainment. That being, the promotional wheel spins and as always, another photo session, second last for this trip thankfully. Surely, there must be a couple of photos she likes by now was all l could think . Prizes won today were, a free post mix drink, ten dollars off a Binions Café meal, five dollars free play and a twenty five dollar free play. That's forty dollars we never had before going there. The rest of the afternoon was spent there, killing time before going back to the Plaza Hotel and Casino for their new members draw at eight p.m. that evening.





Returning to the Plaza Hotel and Casino about an hour before the draw, we had another try at their machines, but with no reel luck. Neither of us got drawn out at the new members draw, surprise. Talk about becoming jaded with these gambling machines, by now, l think both of us were feeling the disappointment in gambling on this trip . Now a comment must be made about the back ground music at this venue, it's not back ground and it's not a night club either. Get real management, who are you chasing, gamblers or the younger set?




Five hundred to one return.

Next thing to attend to, was a night time meal. For this, we went back to the Binions Café, there we used our voucher we had earned today. On completion of the meal we went outside and started wandering back to our room. Stopping at any shop that caught the Pokie Queens eye for a quick look around. [ nothing she had not seen before, just killing time ]. We were both guilty of buying a two year calendar from one of the shops that we passed, yes l know, Las Vegas souvenirs, hypocrite. This would allow me to look everyday at it hanging on my wall at home, just to tease me. Motivation, remember, l live on the other side of the world, big trip to get there.

Back in the room l had the television going, l had a pail of ice, me thinks, set for the night.




Tomorrow is another day, last full day in Las Vegas for this trip.

To be continued.

 

Taste not the problem, more like survival, l am Australian remember. We have the last man standing attitude, plus the Pokie Queen would not approve of the end result of too many of these Manhattans. If memory serves me well, l recall a similar comment made on one of your non Vegas trip reports, moderation is our excuse. But l was definitely amused whilst at the Stratosphere Casino happy hour. Happy l was.

 

Day 18

Well the day had finally arrived, the last chance for us to make our fortunes in Las Vegas. Otherwise, we would be heading back home with our tails between our legs, poorer for the exercise. Conversely, wiser for the experience. The plan for this morning, was to go have a two for the price of one brunch at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino buffet. A rerun of yesterday's attempt, but without the crowds. l must comment, the buffets we had been to whilst here, have been far superior to the ones that we are used to at home. The variety of food offerings just does not compare. Apparently competition is very good for the consumer, so it seems. We were both very happy with the buffet meal that they had on offer.




Brunch finished, we went out onto Fremont Street, looked opposite and thought, what the hell. Into Binions Gambling Hall and Hotel we went for our daily activities. There, we had an afternoon of gambling, plus beer drinking for me. A ten dollar food voucher was won on this occasion, therefore the evening meal was decided for us. By far and away on this trip, Binions Gambling Hall and Hotel was our preferred destination and our most rewarding.





Although at this time of the trip, the gloss was well and truly worn off this gambling experience that we had endured so far. [ l'm sure it had an effect on our eyesight, rest was definitely required.] We both decided to forgo the temptation to bet heavier to try and jag a big win, instead keeping our money for our next return trip. Therefore it turned out to be a quiet afternoon with nothing worthwhile to report in the way of wins. Later that evening we had what you may call our last supper at the Binions Café.

Leaving the premises we headed over to the Four Queens Hotel and Casino for our last spin of the reels. If our luck did not change there, then it was too bad, game over as far as we were concerned. This would also be my last opportunity to sample their great craft brews, could not pass on that. As was expected, neither of us achieved much in this session. The highlight for me whilst there, was sitting where the cold breeze came in when the doors were opened. l knew l had to savour these moments, because in less than forty eight hours l would be back in the horrid tropical temperatures once again. Nothing to look forward to, believe me.








Defeated, we just left the Four Queens Hotel and Casino and went back to our room at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino for an early night. There we had our last session of American television shows, and l ensured that all the Canadian whiskey was consumed. A just reward for a couple of losers l thought.




As always, to be continued.

 

Day 19

Today was the day we were both dreading, time to go home. Half way around the world, involving three flights and two bus rides. What could possible go wrong with that? The usual morning routine was carried out, but with the addition of a second cup of coffee for me. Just to brace myself up for whatever may lay ahead of us. Dragging our luggage behind us we went down to the check out desk to settle the bill.

"Had we used anything from the room" the check out lady inquired? "No" was the reply. We would be paying the bill with cash we informed her. "Well that will be $wx.yz " she tells us. WRONG. l take a step back and leave it to the Pokie Queen to deal with this problem. Remember what l had said earlier on about the El Cortez Hotel and Casino was not going to get another cent from either of us on this trip. Additionally, they had upset the Pokie Queens partner, and you just do not do that as far as she was concerned. lt took her all of fifteen minutes to get to the final quoted price we had received. l did feel sorry for the lady behind the counter, she was just doing the job she was being paid to do { plus she did not know of the history of the complaint }. We had a printed quote with us and that was all we intended to pay. Apparently the resort fee had increased since our booking was made { surprise, surprise ] plus there was tax to be added to the bill. The Pokie Queen was having none of that, she had just chipped away until the correct price was arrived at. Bill paid, then off we head to the bus stop. What l am thinking after all this is, one lousy beer, slack service on the Monday night, [ how much did this cost them ] come on management, step up to the plate. This incident with the beer spoilt my whole trip, El Cortez Hotel and Casino was going to be my main Black Jack joint. Conclusion, make sure you have a plan B on your trip, next time.





We caught the bus going to the airport near the Binions Gambling Hall and Hotel for the fare price of two dollars each, definitely value. Half a hour later we were checking in for our Delta flight to Los Angeles. With plenty of time to spare we just poked around the airport and did a few Sudokus to kill time. Eventually we boarded our plane at the correct time, received our pre booked seats and everything seemed to be going to plan. Taxied to the runway, lined up for take off, then. " We have a small problem, should only take a short while to resolve" comes over the speaker system in the plane. Next we are informed that we have to get off the runway to allow other planes to have access to it. Then this famous announcement is given " We are going to shut the plane down and then restart it, just like you do at home when you reboot your computer and see if this fixes the problem ". We both then looked at each other, thinking W.T.F.










To be continued.

 

Day 19 continued.

For two hours we were strapped into our seats as the pilots and technicians fiddled with the plane. There was never once a mention of going back to the terminal and changing planes. Certainly strange goings on, not very confidence inspiring for all the passengers involved in this incident. When we finally got airborne they certainly did not worry about fuel consumption, l swear the whole plane was humming because of the speed we were doing. Quickest trip we had ever had between LAS and LAX airports. The time that had been wasted was of no concern to us, as l had allowed plenty for such possible problems.

When we got off the plane we went in search of the Virgin Australia check in counter. When found, we could see how insignificant our local airlines are on the world stage. Small it may have been, but we got served promptly. No such luck when going through security, we just had to line up with the rest of the sheep and take our turn when it came. Once inside we went and checked out the food options on offer. It didn't take long for us to realise that we weren't in Las Vegas anymore, the prices there were ridiculous. So a cheap meal of chicken and chips was had, finished, we then went to the waiting area for our flight.

21:55 pm Saturday night we are strapped in and ready for take off, the day had been a complete waste. Fact: we had both been losers on this trip, l suppose we did help the economy a bit whilst there. One bit of luck we had was on this flight, there was one hundred and eighty vacant seats. Therefore we both were able to have three seats each, this allowed for a bit of sleep on our flight to the other side of the planet. Landing in Sydney at 06.00 am on the Monday morning, right on time. Purchased four bottles of Jack Daniels bourbon at the duty free and then through customs we go. No problems encountered here, then out front of the terminal we go to catch the transfer bus. This vehicle goes between the International and Domestic terminals which are a few kilometres apart. Check in for our local flight, but the luggage is a bit over weight, don't worry we are told, just go through. Then to the waiting area we proceed to get ready for our flight. By now l am starting to get suspicious, things are going exactly to plan.

Then comes the announcement over the P.A.. system, our flight is running late. Be seated and just relax we are told, shouldn't be to long a wait. No time is ever given regarding the delay. Not to be outdone by Delta Airlines, Jetstar Airlines also dishes up a two hour wait for us. Just glad that l had paid rock bottom prices for these flights, otherwise l would have been totally peeved off with them. Arriving back in Townsville we grab our luggage and go to the outside pick up area. There we find our ride waiting for us, the Pokie Queen's daughter and the two grandkids, all excited to see her return home. During the drive to my place the questions were coming from all directions. They drop me off at my house and then head straight to the Pokie Queen's place to receive all the information about the trip, plus the presents she had for them. With bags in my hands l go upstairs to open up, snipping the locking lever to the security door behind me as l enter. l then look around, taking it all in, thinking to myself " This is reality, BUGGER "




Postscript to come.

 

Postscript

On this trip there was three things that really got my attention regarding Americans. First up, what caught my eye was the number of people wearing Harley Davidson clothing items. Any direction you cared to look, you would spot someone wearing something related, age or sex didn't seem to matter. I was definitely hoping this was a pride type show and just not an image thing like back in Australia. Next thing that impressed me greatly was the respect shown and gratitude expressed to the Armed Forces Personnel, past and present by the general public. Finally, the American Flag, it was to be seen everywhere, the people just cannot seem to get enough of them. Proud people living in a country to have pride in.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

On the second weekend back home, where do you think we would go? To the local Casino of course. l am still finding it hard to believe but the Pokie Queen scored a random jackpot on one of the machines she was playing. Two thousand five hundred and twenty dollars for a twenty five cent [ quarter ] spin. Her biggest win ever, she was thrilled and scared at the same time. Reason being, the new electronic playing system sent the winnings straight to her players card and she could not see her winnings on the screen in front of her. The staff came along and sorted it out for her, she then immediately went and cashed it off her card for the real stuff. Therefore all our gambling losses in Las Vegas had been returned to us, thanks to our little home Casino. Go figure. No photo of the screen with the winnings was taken because of the drama that went on. Sorry.



My half of the winnings. Now the pressure was on me to beat this win, being a dime on the centre line type guy, this was going to be hard to achieve. Hence the reason for this trip report taking so long to write, stalling for time l think you call it. Obviously l had to play the pokies with the highest jackpots on them to have any chance of success .The staff at the Casino were amused by my feeble attempts, the Pokie Queen was entertained and did not like my chances. I persevered and prayed to the gambling gods to let me show them all, knowing that they look after their own kind. In my next / last entry to this trip report l will show you all what they gave me for my efforts.

One photo to come.

 

Congrats!! Great win for the Pokie Queen, even it wasn't in Vegas!!!

 

This has been a great read. One question begging to be answered but I will wait for Townsville to finish his report before commenting in case he is saving it for last