View From the Road
 Last Saturday I was invited by a friend to meet and have dinner at the Hard Rock Café Casino in Tampa. Not being a gambler I had not had the occasion to go there.
My friend closes her business about 9 p.m., so we met kind of late to eat. That was no problem, as the casino and restaurant never close.
We met in the parking garage, and went into the lobby. WOW!!!! It was like being transported to Las Vegas. Thousands of people and so many slot machines and gaming tables, it looked like a never ending room.
My friend knew her way around, and she was greeted by casino employees on a first-name basis. I knew then, that she was a regular gambler there, and probably had gambled a lot of money away.
We proceeded to the front desk where once again we were greeted and she was addressed by name. She asked for the house phone and promptly called the Casino Manager, who she addressed by his first name. She asked him to arrange dining as a complimentary service for her and her guest (me). He quickly agreed and we proceeded to the dining room. By now, I am becoming quite impressed (only slightly). I was more concerned than impressed, by the obvious time and money that my friend must devote to her visits.
The atmosphere and the food were nice, but the prices were more than I would have expected or been willing to pay. But, after all, it was all complimentary. So I just ate and enjoyed.
As an “observer” of people, I took in the variety of guests. The dress was from moderately formal to hideously casual. The attitude of the patrons ranged from laid back and jovial to intense and frustrated. The range of emotions and intensity made me very uncomfortable. My friend and I had a nice visit and enjoyed our meal. I could tell she was eager to proceed to the gaming area. It was late and I was ready to go back to Tavares. The long one and a half hour drive would be a good time for me to sort out what I had seen.
It was a good experience for me. I am glad that people that enjoy this activity have such a place to experience it. As for me, I am happy to have seen and enjoyed it with the company of a good friend.
I spent several hours being entertained and nourished at an exciting place and I did not lose or win a dime. For me, that was the best way to spend time at a casino.
I am grateful for my friend who wanted to share one of her passions with me and give me a “View From The Road” with a different perspective.
© Copyright 2008 by The
Observer
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