Feeling Like James Bond

While in Nice, one has to go to Monaco. It’s only a 20 min train ride from Nice. And while in Monaco, one must go to the Monte Carlo and gamble. That’s exactly what I did.

July 20,2009
Right when I walked in, I was veered off to a small room by the security guards. The room is for people to check in bags and coats. Backpacks are required to be checked in and photography is not allowed inside the Monte Carlo. To enter Casino area, a 10 Euro fee and a Passport is required. After going though all of the above, I got into the casino area. I looked around a bit before deciding to gamble. There were only a few table games in play: Roulette, Black Jack, and Baccarat. I chose to play Roulette. I headed for the cashier and waited behind one person who was cashing in 8000 Euros. I felt belittled as I asked chips for 50 Euros. The cashier had asked me what game I was going to play and I told him Roulette. He handed me circular chips that had a UFO spherical shape. Wearing Flip Flops, shorts, and a regular T-shirt, I headed for the Roulette table with my 50 Euros.

I sat down at a table and started to play. Including myself, there were a total of 3 players on the table. One of the other players was a roamer who gave chips to the dealer to play for him as he hopped table to table. The minimum bet was 5 Euro. After the second spin I was left with 15 Euro – three 5 Euro chips. I had an epiphany, “well that was quick. At least I was able to play in the Monte Carlo.” With my last 3 chips placed on the table, I won; and won again, 4 times in row. Everyone started to stare at me. My 15 Euros turned to 220 Euros. The table immediately filled from 3 people to 10 people. Sure enough, as everyone hopped in, the losing streak began. My 22o dwindled to 90. That’s when I decided to walk away and call it a day.

Walking away from the Monte Carlo as winner felt real good. I got back the 50 I started with, plus the 10 for the entrance, plus a 5 Euro Chip as a souvenir, and 25 Euros extra in my pocket.

Back in the Daily Grind

After not working for almost 10 months, I reported for duty at my old company on August 12th as a contracted employee with an end date to be determined. Was I excited? I’d have to say mixed emotions. The 10 months of (f)unemployment has been exactly that: Fun employment. It’s been relaxing. It’s been a nice break. I looked at it to be an unofficial sabbatical. If there is any thing that excites me about going back to work, it is the fact that I’ll have more funds coming in. I don’t have any big bills to worry about, which is one reason why it’s been a wonderful break.

Grand Puba Rockn'

Grand Puba rocked it last night at 111 Mina Street, San Francisco. As old as he is, he can still rock it. While on stage performing, he poured drinks of Vodka and Hennessey to the crowd.

Back Home

Back home from another fabulous trip. A trip filled with new adventures, new friendships, and a new favorite city. Being able to revisit France and to have a better understanding of their culture was a great experience. As mentioned from a previous blog, I was unable to understand France. But after visiting Bordeaux, Provence, and Nice, I felt I got a better grasp of their culture. The French folks aren’t as bad as bad as people perceive them. It’s really all relative when you run into people. Every country has their fair share of people who come off the wrong way.
Spain - still my favorite country with San Sebastian becoming my new favorite city to vacate to. It’s a city that has it all: the beach, the bars, the food, and good people. It’s not as touristy as Barcelona. It’s a calm Barcelona. It’s similar to my former favorite city Lisbon, but more compact. Not as spread out as Lisbon.

Rockin' in Nice

I'm finally in Nice. The last leg of my trip. I had an interesting night out last night. I drank with a few folks whom I met at the hostel. After the Lounge area closed we continued the festivities on the stony beach. Two of the gals stripped down and jumped in the ocean(the gals who jumped in were not any of the individuals shown in the pic above). We then went to a few bars. One of them had a live band playing. I don't know how, but I got pulled onto the stage and sang with the lead singer.

Avignon

Posted for July 17
Avignon like Arles is a city built in walls. The major difference is Avignon is a much lager city. The theater festival is super festive. Street performers everywhere and Promotional Bills for plays posted on every wall. The once former residence for the Pope is an enormous castle.

Pont Du Guard

Posted for July 16
I got up at 10:30. I was knocked out and got some really good rest. After getting ready I headed for the train station to head to Pont Du Guard for the Day. It’s a Roman Aqueduct which is the second tallest Roman Structure with the Coliseum in Rome being the tallest. I wadded my feet in the water as I sat in a stony beach area. Next to me was an older topples woman bathing in the sun.

The structural part that amazes me is, the arches were built with out mortar. Just rock carved and fitted perfectly with a key stone on the top. I stood underneath the arch in awe.