Last Day in the Desert
Today is our last full day in Palm Desert.
The trip has gone by very quickly, despite the fact that we spent most of our time lounging by the pool. I think I needed the break more than I'd realized before we left. I didn't think I'd be able to spend a full week relaxing and sleeping in without getting bored. How wrong I was.
It hasn't been all late-mornings and pool-naps, though. Andrea and I went to the casino a few days ago, where I introduced her to the myriad wonders of blackjack. We both made a bit of money and generally had a good time.
I'd hoped to learn how to shoot dice, but unfortunatley craps in California is done without dice for some strange reason. I think it has something to do with licencing. Anyways, craps without dice is about the most boring thing in the world, even if you do have money riding on it.
Despite not being able to bring Cuban cigars into the country, I was able to enjoy a Cuban cigar by the pool the other day. It turns out that they still have pre-embargo Cuban tobacco, which is being rolled into cigars by the name of Pinar 3000. I was a little turned off by the name (it sounds more like a Spanish kitchen appliance than a reputable cigar brand) but I have to say, they do make good cigars.
In any case, time to get back out there. We're in San Diego for the next few days, and then I'll be back in town on the evening of July 3rd. Hope things are going well with everyone, and I look forward to seeing you again upon my return.
Cheers.
posted by Ryan @ 4:56 p.m.
3 comments
3 Comments:
One of the most satisfying moments of my life came a couple of years ago on the evening streets of Boston, as a friend and I lit up our Cuban Monte Cristo #4's under a big American flag.
HOW IN THE HELL DID YOU MAKE MONEY AT A CASINO?
I've only ever gambled money on blackjack a handful of times, but all three times I've lost money. And yes I understand the basic priciples of what to do when I have a 13 and the dealer has an 6 showing. I have never ever ever ever made money gambling. I thought it was all part of the grand illusion they perform while they rape your wallet.
JTL: It's pretty sweet, that's for sure. It's not uncommon for me to travel with Cuban cigars in the U.S., but I figured I'd pass on it this time around. But it all worked out for the best. Now if only they'd allow bottles at the pool so I didn't have to drink Coors Light...
Erin: Andrea's uncle's getting married on July 2nd, while I need to be back before the 5th for next career-level course. So the poor timing was caused by factors beyond our control. You going to Ottawa again for Canada Day?
Channing: The trick to making money at blackjack is knowing when to raise your bet, when to double down, and when to quit playing entirely. If you lose 5 hands in a row, find a new table. Whenever you have something in the 8 - 11 range showing (and the dealer has something in the 2 - 7 range) then you double down. If you get in a winning streak, then you start to slowly raise your bets. And finally, when you double your initial outlay, then you call it quits.
That all said, I'd still say that, in the course of my lifetime, casinos have taken more from me than I have from then. Also, the casino in Gananoque is evil and has yet to pay me a nickel. I like the casino in Hull much better.
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