When you live on the Jersey shore, there are plenty of driving destinations, and Atlantic City is definitely one of them. So for our 10th anniversary, we decided it was a good time to venture into the town of Glitz on the east coast.

I had been there only once in my life, at 10 years old, I think. My mother took me to the amusement park from there. I remember thinking, there is no place like this where I live {Boston}. Of course, that was miles in time before 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 which signs we should follow. There were decisions to be made and more signs directing you; like Midtown, Downtown, Beach. I thought it was all ‘Beach’! You just don’t think “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 signal we follow 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 3-4 days to travel there 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 virgin journey at Bally’s, where disco fever echoed and lights illuminated even the darkest corner. This was a very busy casino, even though it was Monday afternoon. We were surprised by the number and variety of slot machines, and we walked down the hallways, almost in a daze. There are Lucky Ladies and Texas Tea and Wheel of Fortune and many others to name. You can press a button or pull the lever. You can switch from one machine to another or sit for hours at one. And you can almost win, almost always.

Then we continue to the side, towards the Old West. We were going to have lunch at the buffet there. However, there is a confusing check-in and wait system, so we decided to eat elsewhere. I am so glad I did.

Planet Hollywood was right on the boardwalk, and for us, it’s a fun place to eat. A lovely lady, Stacy, greeted us and seated us. During our conversation, he found out that it was our anniversary. He wished us the best with a big smile as we thanked him. Our server, Shawn, provided great service and a brilliant smile. Lunch was delicious and we asked for the bill. Shawn is back in just moments with an anniversary dessert, complete with candles and best wishes! We enjoyed a round of applause from the room, and we were absolutely thrilled with this surprise! Shawn and Stacy really helped make our special day a memorable one. Rest assured that we will “be back”.

After lunch, we took a walk along the boardwalk and inhaled the life there. I mean it 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 a waste. The brightness exists despite the bleakness that surrounds it. There should be beach and bike neighborhoods. Rather, I saw shells from houses that used to be. Windows without glass. Quiet streets without children laughing. And a feeling of discomfort in some places.

We sat on a bench and just watched the parade of people go by. I am a witness to all walks of life, right here. Lost people; people who are with your family; people who cannot dress themselves; people who are definitely overdressed; people who are overly arrogant and people who cannot 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 everything, and many people without other people. Right here, before my very eyes.

Okay, it’s time to move on again … Trump’s East Tower is a smoke-free casino, and that was fine with us. I have to say that this is one of the drawbacks for me as I cannot stay near anyone smoking. This influences my decision of where I play. Wandering the halls of this casino is a joy compared to all the others. We spend quite a bit of time here and we still get enough nickels to keep playing.

Caesar’s Palace is tastefully designed, but we didn’t spend too much 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. Although we don’t “win big,” we win in many ways.

We win because we have to keep playing. We won because we found the best place to eat. We win because we know we shouldn’t gamble too much. And we win because we have each other. We appreciate each other and count our blessings. I think this is how everyone should be: grateful for what you have and knowing that there are many others who don’t.

During the journey home, I reflect on everything I have 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 hiking and activity. Road trips are enjoyable because you can almost pretend you’re on vacation somewhere, somewhere far from home. Get lost in the day and let yourself go …

Where do we go now? Cape May? Asbury Park? New York? You’re invited to come back and walk with me next month … You never know where The Write Traveler will take you next time!

SHERRI LAURIER

The QuillMistress