As usual my trip is triggered by by marketing offers to good to
refuse. Being retired has many benefits. SWA has so many benefits, the
best of which is that they allow srs to change plans with no charges.
A sr ticket is also fully refundable. Anyway, I'm off on the spur of
the moment with only one days notice to have my bags packed. Our side
of the plane wins the great toilet paper race and I take that as a
good omen.A stopover in Phoenix is cause for comment as I meet A young
man in Dewars Bar who is returning from eleven months in Afghanistan
and is so proud of being in the service. He has saved $20,000 on his
tour of duty and now has 28 days of leave before returning to duty in
Iraq. His attitude and patriotism further pump me up. My first stop
will be 3 days at Harrahs Reno. I arrive Sat and my first stop is
Diamond services where I am checked in and refunded $300 airfare.
Mixed reviews have left me a little leary of staying here but am
assigned a comfortable room and I did'nt expect much better as I
arrived on a Sat. on a last min. reservation.Craps is my first game of
choice but you cant spend 12 hrs a day on a crap table so I actually
spend more time playing VP. Thanks to reading this forum I know the
only playable games are the $1. and the 50 cent 9/6 J/B. With some
difficulty I find the 50 cent machines and the $1 ones are all over
the place. Make a couple of trips acress the street to Cal-Neva and
play somer 25 cent VP. Im trying to pace myself to last the full 10
days. I eat twice at Harrahs Steak House and find it exceptional. The
fafinale of the free hand made truffles served in a smoking bowl of
dry ice is impressive. I leave after 3 days within my budget and look
forward to my three daty at Harrahs Lake Tahoe............Actually I
very seldom mention money but this trip is exceptional so will add a
little detail. My hotel bill is comped except for a phone call and
tips which I add to my meals. I am down about $700 dollars. Next
Harrahs Lake Tahoe.
B,
B.