When you live on the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of driveable destinations, and Atlantic City is definitely one of them. So for our 10 year anniversary, we decided it was a good time to venture out to East Coast Glitz City.
I had only been there once in my life, at the age of 10 I think. My mother took me to the amusement park there. I remember thinking, there is no place like this where I live {Boston}. Of course, that was miles in time before the casinos were born there. My wife has only been there twice so we were both looking forward to our sunny day on the boardwalk.
Leaving the Garden State Parkway, we drive on ’38’ towards Atlantic City. It was a bit difficult to know exactly what signs we should follow. There were choices to be made and more signs that indicated you; like Midtown, Downtown, Beach. I thought it was all ‘Beach’! You just don’t think of “Downtown Atlantic City,” you know? It doesn’t have the same flow as, say, “Downtown Boston.” As of this writing, I’m not even sure which sign we followed first!
Our first look at Where It All Happens included large hotels, parking lots, and miscellaneous buildings. We thought we could just park somewhere and cover the whole territory. How wrong we were! We are already learning that there is much more to see in Atlantic City than one afternoon will allow! We now know that it will take about 3-4 day trips to really see everything we want. Once we are more familiar, we will return to the places we enjoy the most.
Thus we began our virginal journey at Bally’s, where disco fever blared and the lights lit up even the darkest corner. This was a very busy casino, even though it was a Monday afternoon. We were amazed at the number and variety of slot machines, and we walked through the aisles, almost in a daze. There’s Lucky Ladies and Texas Tea and Wheel of Fortune and too many others to name. You can push a button or pull the lever. You can move from one machine to another or sit for hours on one. And you can almost win, almost every time.
We then continue alongside, towards The Old West. There we were going to have lunch at the buffet. However, there is a confusing waiting and entry system, so we decided to eat elsewhere. I’m so glad I did.
Planet Hollywood was right on the boardwalk and for us a fun place to eat. A lovely lady, Stacy, greeted us and seated us. During our conversation, she found out that it was our anniversary. She wished us well with a big smile as she thanked her. Our waiter, Shawn, offered great service and a bright smile. Lunch was delicious, and we requested the check. Shawn returned in just moments with an anniversary dessert, complete with candles and best wishes! We enjoyed a round of applause from the hall, and we were absolutely thrilled by this surprise! Shawn and Stacy really helped make our special day a memorable one. Rest assured, we will “be back”!
After lunch, we stroll along the Malecón and breathe the life there. I mean this literally and figuratively. What struck me the most was the contrast between worlds. simultaneous realities. Parallel lives. Right next to a beautiful hotel/casino is Waste. The brightness exists despite the desolation that surrounds it. There should be beach neighborhoods and bikers. Rather, I saw structures of houses that used to be. Windows without glass. Quiet streets without giggling children. And an uneasy feeling in places.
We sat on a bench and watched the parade of people go by. I witness all walks of life, right here. People who are lost; people who are with their family; people who cannot dress themselves; people who are definitely overdressed; people who are too arrogant and people who can’t make eye contact; people who smell and people who don’t; people who abuse; people who cry too much; people who may have made a little money or lost it all, and many people with no other people. Right here before my very eyes.
Ok, time to move on again… Trump’s East Tower is a smoke-free casino, and we thought that was pretty cool. I must say that is one of the drawbacks for me as I can’t be around anyone who smokes. This influences my decision of where I play. Walking through the corridors of this casino is a pleasure compared to all the others. We spend quite a bit of our time here, and we keep getting enough quarters to keep playing.
Caesar’s Palace is tastefully designed, but we didn’t spend a lot of time there. However, we want to play there on another day trip. But it’s after 6 and it’s time to start thinking about going home. While we don’t “win big,” we do win in many ways.
We win because we have to keep playing. We win because we find the best place to eat. We win because we know better than to bet too much. And we win because we have each other. We appreciate each other and count our blessings. I believe that this is how everyone should be: grateful for what they have and knowing that there are many others who do not have.
On the way home, I reflect on everything I’ve seen today. Beauty and bestiality; the pride and shame of the city; and the ironic existence of multiple worlds. I really enjoy being comfortable in our own car after a long day of walking and activity. Road trips are nice because you can almost pretend you’re on vacation somewhere, somewhere far from home. Lose yourself in the day and let yourself go…
Where will we go next? Cape May? Asbury Park? NY? You’re invited to come back and walk with me next month… You never know where The Write Traveler will take you!
SHERRI LAURIER
the lady with the feather
