5 Dutch guys with an "excellent vacation-mentality". TR+PIC
07-29-2018
, 07:22 AM
Day 12, The day we become more mobile.
For the first time this vacation we have to set the alarm because this morning we have to pick up our rental car so we can do some more sightseeing for the rest of our vacation. After the last 2 nights this is extremely difficult, but somehow we manage to get up, get dressed, make our way to the Paris and sit down at Mon Ami Gabi at 10.30 for breakfast.
After plenty of coffee and eggs we catch a ride to the airport to pick up our mid-size SUV. We all brought our driving license, but Fedor, who made the reservation didn’t bring his passport. Ok, it was only mentioned once on the one page rental agreement, but still. Luckily, his trustworthy face is back again and we can get the car without any delay.
In the parking lot they tell us we can choose between the 3 different SUV’s that are parked next to each other, but just as we walk to the one we want, it starts backing up. Turns out this one is already taken. Okay, 2 different SUV’s then. While we are halfway there, another guy steps in one of the other two. So basically, we can choose 1 car, a Kia Sorrento.
We’re out of bread and we don’t want to deal with the same issues we had before so we drive to a real bakery, called Great Bun Bakery where they do sell bread.
It’s hot, so back at the Wyndham we want to park the car in the garage underneath the building. Fedor is driving and figures out he needs his room key to enter. He didn’t expect that, so he is too far away to reach the sensor. he opens the door to operate the gate, comes back in, gets back behind the wheel, but before we are fully through, the barrier already comes down and hits the car. Hard. Twice.. Nice!, the car is already damaged in less than 1 hour. The barrier is also damaged, so we head over to the front desk and explain what happened. They keep asking if we are not hurt (no, don’t worry, we will not sue you) and after we have filled out a report, we call the rental company, just to make sure we won’t have a problem when we return the car. We expect a lot of hassle but it actually goes quite smooth and we don’t have to do anything to get the whole situation sorted. Good choice to spend that couple of bucks on insurance.
In the afternoon we drive to Southpoint Casino. It’s Monday and there is not a lot of action going on. I make an excellent call on the turn where someone goes AI. I only have a A5 on a 259J board and every fiber in my body tells me he is on a draw. I am right, but unfortunately the river is a 3rd diamond card and he tables AK diamond. So, A+ for my read, F for the end-result.
Ropski is in the mood for a proper burger, so we drive back to Planet Hollywood to try out Gordon Ramsay Burger. There is a long waiting line, but I spot a sign that says that parties of 3 or more can walk up to the front to make a reservation. We still have to wait for 30 minutes, but we don’t have to stand in line so we have a drink and watch some hockey and basketball in the bar next to the restaurant.
The burgers are above par and the waitress is nice and helpful. “It’s almost like she actually means it”, according to Ropski.
We are all tired and we are not in the mood to play poker, so we are back home early for a change.
Ropski goes back to the crime scene to snap a few pictures of the damaged barrier for this TR when a security guard walks up to him and starts a 2nd degree interrogation. It takes almost 10 minutes of explaining, and finally they let him off the hook.
For the first time this vacation we have to set the alarm because this morning we have to pick up our rental car so we can do some more sightseeing for the rest of our vacation. After the last 2 nights this is extremely difficult, but somehow we manage to get up, get dressed, make our way to the Paris and sit down at Mon Ami Gabi at 10.30 for breakfast.
After plenty of coffee and eggs we catch a ride to the airport to pick up our mid-size SUV. We all brought our driving license, but Fedor, who made the reservation didn’t bring his passport. Ok, it was only mentioned once on the one page rental agreement, but still. Luckily, his trustworthy face is back again and we can get the car without any delay.
In the parking lot they tell us we can choose between the 3 different SUV’s that are parked next to each other, but just as we walk to the one we want, it starts backing up. Turns out this one is already taken. Okay, 2 different SUV’s then. While we are halfway there, another guy steps in one of the other two. So basically, we can choose 1 car, a Kia Sorrento.
We’re out of bread and we don’t want to deal with the same issues we had before so we drive to a real bakery, called Great Bun Bakery where they do sell bread.
It’s hot, so back at the Wyndham we want to park the car in the garage underneath the building. Fedor is driving and figures out he needs his room key to enter. He didn’t expect that, so he is too far away to reach the sensor. he opens the door to operate the gate, comes back in, gets back behind the wheel, but before we are fully through, the barrier already comes down and hits the car. Hard. Twice.. Nice!, the car is already damaged in less than 1 hour. The barrier is also damaged, so we head over to the front desk and explain what happened. They keep asking if we are not hurt (no, don’t worry, we will not sue you) and after we have filled out a report, we call the rental company, just to make sure we won’t have a problem when we return the car. We expect a lot of hassle but it actually goes quite smooth and we don’t have to do anything to get the whole situation sorted. Good choice to spend that couple of bucks on insurance.
In the afternoon we drive to Southpoint Casino. It’s Monday and there is not a lot of action going on. I make an excellent call on the turn where someone goes AI. I only have a A5 on a 259J board and every fiber in my body tells me he is on a draw. I am right, but unfortunately the river is a 3rd diamond card and he tables AK diamond. So, A+ for my read, F for the end-result.
Ropski is in the mood for a proper burger, so we drive back to Planet Hollywood to try out Gordon Ramsay Burger. There is a long waiting line, but I spot a sign that says that parties of 3 or more can walk up to the front to make a reservation. We still have to wait for 30 minutes, but we don’t have to stand in line so we have a drink and watch some hockey and basketball in the bar next to the restaurant.
The burgers are above par and the waitress is nice and helpful. “It’s almost like she actually means it”, according to Ropski.
We are all tired and we are not in the mood to play poker, so we are back home early for a change.
Ropski goes back to the crime scene to snap a few pictures of the damaged barrier for this TR when a security guard walks up to him and starts a 2nd degree interrogation. It takes almost 10 minutes of explaining, and finally they let him off the hook.
07-29-2018
, 08:12 AM
07-29-2018
, 08:24 AM
08-02-2018
, 06:56 AM
08-05-2018
, 06:07 AM
Day 14, the day we re-unite.
Today Roald and Ouwkes will finally join us and it feels like we are about to start a whole new vacation. Not only because we will now be with the 5 of us and the whole dynamics will change, but also because we are moving to a bigger apartment.
We tried to get a late check-out and an early check-in, but that is not possible and we have to be out at 10 in the morning. So, this means packing our suitcases. Also, we still have a half-full fridge, but luckily that’s not a problem because they have a central fridge where we can store everything. We call the front desk to get some assistance and after a few minutes someone shows up with a trolley to collect our luggage and groceries.
While Fedor and I are off to the pool to kill the time, Ropski goes to the Strip for an early tournament in the Bally’s. Strangely enough he doesn’t win anything this time.
It’s about 2 when we check if the apartment is ready, but this is not the case. We have to wait until 4, so it’s time to get some lunch. We are both in the mood for 5 Guys, so off we go. Burgers are good as always, but I can’t understand why anyone would drink a mix of different sodas. Also, the flavors they offer….. not my cup of tea.
We decide to do some cruising through Vegas and drive to W Spring Mountain road to check out some Asian restaurants we know from the vlogs (tofu hut e.g.). Perhaps we will go there later this vacation.
It is exactly 4pm when we arrive back at the Wyndham. I look for Ropski and I find him sleeping at the poolside. Our new apartment is nice and spacious and the bell desk delivers all our stuff promptly. Pictures are already shared earlier in this TR. There is only 1 room with 2 beds, the other two have king beds. Before this trip we decided that Fedor and I get the room with the 2 beds, Ropski and Ouwkes will share 1 bed and Roald is the lucky one with a room to himself.
The boys already texted that they have a 2-hour delay, so we have enough time to get some sleep and to get some extra groceries.
Almost there
They land shortly after 10pm, but since most of the customs-personnel already left for the evening it’s close to 11 when we finally see them.
They are tired from the long flight and want to take a shower, but Fedor decides otherwise and drives straight to the car rental place to register Ouwkes as an extra driver. There is a long line and while they wait, Ropski, Roald and I sit down near-by, looking to get a cup of coffee.
Everything is closed at this time of the evening, so there is no other option to just wait for them to get this sorted. After 20 minutes it’s their turn, but it turns out that they are in the wrong line and they should get to customer-service on the parking deck. Fedor also didn’t bring the rental agreement obviously. Why would they need that huh?
I really hope this is not the start of a very long run-bad session, but by some miracle Ouwkes manages to find a very quick and helpful attendant upstairs who sorts it out in 1 minute.
It’s almost midnight when we are finally back at the apartment. 30 minutes later we are ready to hit The Strip. We can all use a drink and some food, so what better place to go to then Rock and Reilly’s!
Soon the first anecdotes and stories are told and by the time the burgers and nachos arrive they already have the feeling they were there with us the last 2 weeks.
Time for some poker. For some reason the choice lands on Planet Hollywood. My table is so-so. After some time, they start a promotion that you receive some extra cash when you win the hand without a pair or higher.
The most aggressive player immediately starts betting and/or 3-betting preflop. I know what he is doing and after a 7-high flop he overbets the pot and goes AI. I snapcall with AQ. Turn is a 3, river a 9 and he shows J9…….
For me, these are the moments I have had enough of this stupid game so I walk over to the Crazy4Poker. Roald also joins and the first vodka/pineapples are ordered. 30 Minutes later I want to see how the rest is doing, but everybody is gone. I later hear that after busting some players, they ended up at a bad table all together so they went to the Bellagio and were under the impression that we already left. It’s 5 in the morning and both Roald and I are pretty tired after this long day. We walk back home. Day 1 of part 2 has come to an end.
Today Roald and Ouwkes will finally join us and it feels like we are about to start a whole new vacation. Not only because we will now be with the 5 of us and the whole dynamics will change, but also because we are moving to a bigger apartment.
We tried to get a late check-out and an early check-in, but that is not possible and we have to be out at 10 in the morning. So, this means packing our suitcases. Also, we still have a half-full fridge, but luckily that’s not a problem because they have a central fridge where we can store everything. We call the front desk to get some assistance and after a few minutes someone shows up with a trolley to collect our luggage and groceries.
While Fedor and I are off to the pool to kill the time, Ropski goes to the Strip for an early tournament in the Bally’s. Strangely enough he doesn’t win anything this time.
It’s about 2 when we check if the apartment is ready, but this is not the case. We have to wait until 4, so it’s time to get some lunch. We are both in the mood for 5 Guys, so off we go. Burgers are good as always, but I can’t understand why anyone would drink a mix of different sodas. Also, the flavors they offer….. not my cup of tea.
We decide to do some cruising through Vegas and drive to W Spring Mountain road to check out some Asian restaurants we know from the vlogs (tofu hut e.g.). Perhaps we will go there later this vacation.
It is exactly 4pm when we arrive back at the Wyndham. I look for Ropski and I find him sleeping at the poolside. Our new apartment is nice and spacious and the bell desk delivers all our stuff promptly. Pictures are already shared earlier in this TR. There is only 1 room with 2 beds, the other two have king beds. Before this trip we decided that Fedor and I get the room with the 2 beds, Ropski and Ouwkes will share 1 bed and Roald is the lucky one with a room to himself.
The boys already texted that they have a 2-hour delay, so we have enough time to get some sleep and to get some extra groceries.
Almost there
They land shortly after 10pm, but since most of the customs-personnel already left for the evening it’s close to 11 when we finally see them.
They are tired from the long flight and want to take a shower, but Fedor decides otherwise and drives straight to the car rental place to register Ouwkes as an extra driver. There is a long line and while they wait, Ropski, Roald and I sit down near-by, looking to get a cup of coffee.
Everything is closed at this time of the evening, so there is no other option to just wait for them to get this sorted. After 20 minutes it’s their turn, but it turns out that they are in the wrong line and they should get to customer-service on the parking deck. Fedor also didn’t bring the rental agreement obviously. Why would they need that huh?
I really hope this is not the start of a very long run-bad session, but by some miracle Ouwkes manages to find a very quick and helpful attendant upstairs who sorts it out in 1 minute.
It’s almost midnight when we are finally back at the apartment. 30 minutes later we are ready to hit The Strip. We can all use a drink and some food, so what better place to go to then Rock and Reilly’s!
Soon the first anecdotes and stories are told and by the time the burgers and nachos arrive they already have the feeling they were there with us the last 2 weeks.
Time for some poker. For some reason the choice lands on Planet Hollywood. My table is so-so. After some time, they start a promotion that you receive some extra cash when you win the hand without a pair or higher.
The most aggressive player immediately starts betting and/or 3-betting preflop. I know what he is doing and after a 7-high flop he overbets the pot and goes AI. I snapcall with AQ. Turn is a 3, river a 9 and he shows J9…….
For me, these are the moments I have had enough of this stupid game so I walk over to the Crazy4Poker. Roald also joins and the first vodka/pineapples are ordered. 30 Minutes later I want to see how the rest is doing, but everybody is gone. I later hear that after busting some players, they ended up at a bad table all together so they went to the Bellagio and were under the impression that we already left. It’s 5 in the morning and both Roald and I are pretty tired after this long day. We walk back home. Day 1 of part 2 has come to an end.
08-05-2018
, 07:11 PM
08-06-2018
, 03:51 AM
True. I was 'not amused', to put it mildly.
08-09-2018
, 08:45 AM
Day 15, the day we make use of the My Vegas comps
It’s not even 8 o’clock and I am already awake. I open the bedroom door and I see Ropski sitting there in the living room reading a book. The poor guy couldn’t sleep because of Ouwkes. The last 2 weeks he had the bedroom all to himself and now he has to share a bed with someone who keeps snoring when drunk.
We decide to go on a bread-run, so we are off to the bakery. After we have bought the bread, we walk back to the car when we spot this car.
Not really sure what the story is behind this and I’m also not really sure if I want to know.
Roald is also up when we’re back and while we prepare breakfast, the smell of bacon wakes up Ouwkes as well.
Fedor is still sound asleep, so the 4 of us go down to the pool. Roald and Ouwkes are not used to the heat yet, so they want to sit in the shade as much as possible. Even that is too hot for them so we abandon the plan pretty quickly. Also, the lack of sleep of last night and the long flight to Vegas is not helping.
In the afternoon, Fedor and Roald are off to Ballly’s for some poker, while Ropski, Ouwkes and yours truly stay back home to relax.
Ouwkes and Fedor have been collecting a lot of comps the last year via the My Vegas app, so tonight we are going to Camelot steakhouse in the Excalibur where we get a $200 discount.
We order a lyft to go to the Excalibur and while the driver keeps yapping and telling this is her first week she misses the right exit, so we make a serious detour before we finally arrive.
For those who do not know how this comp-thing works, you have to go to the M-life desk first where you redeem your points and then you get a coupon. You also need your M-life card for this and I see Ouwkes starts to perform his interpretation of the Macarena when he starts patting the front of his jeans, the back of his jeans and then his shirt when he is trying to find his card. Less than 24 hours in Vegas and he is already losing stuff. That’s the Ouwkes we know and love.
We order all the food we like and then some. Porterhouse steaks with lobster tails, loads of side dishes etc.
In hindsight the food was ok, but it was not the best steakhouse we have ever been to. Total amount is close to $600, so with the $200 discount we only need to pay $80 each.
The night is still young and it is time for some serious drinking and gambling. Ouwkes takes his position and from now on, this will be known as: “The Bolt”.
After an hour or so, we leave the Excalibur to return to our favorite ‘gambling-casino’, the Cromwell. Since we are now with the 5 of us we must order a bigger ride, and soon a huge Escalade pulls up to drive us.
Before the gambling continues we sit down at the lounge bar first and order a few drinks, while we watch the parade of (almost exclusively African American) women who are going to the club. All shapes and sizes, all beautiful.
Fedor has an appointment with the roulette-table for a rematch. The first battle was won unanimously by the table, this time it’s payback time and Fedor wins over 1k. Score is now 1-1.
The rest of us are playing Crazy4Poker. Roald is the big winner with over $600 and even Ropski breaks his losing streak and is winning close to $400. And while I also win over $300 there is only 1 guy who is not so lucky…….
There is a Canadian dude at our table and he is quite funny. After a while he states that “you Dutch guys are crazy”. Yes, we hear that a lot.
It’s after 4AM when we are ready to leave. Fedor, Roald and I are taking a cab back home, while Ropski and Ouwkes decide to walk back home. For some reason I am not convinced that is going to be in a straight line.
The average car outside The Cromwell
It’s not even 8 o’clock and I am already awake. I open the bedroom door and I see Ropski sitting there in the living room reading a book. The poor guy couldn’t sleep because of Ouwkes. The last 2 weeks he had the bedroom all to himself and now he has to share a bed with someone who keeps snoring when drunk.
We decide to go on a bread-run, so we are off to the bakery. After we have bought the bread, we walk back to the car when we spot this car.
Not really sure what the story is behind this and I’m also not really sure if I want to know.
Roald is also up when we’re back and while we prepare breakfast, the smell of bacon wakes up Ouwkes as well.
Fedor is still sound asleep, so the 4 of us go down to the pool. Roald and Ouwkes are not used to the heat yet, so they want to sit in the shade as much as possible. Even that is too hot for them so we abandon the plan pretty quickly. Also, the lack of sleep of last night and the long flight to Vegas is not helping.
In the afternoon, Fedor and Roald are off to Ballly’s for some poker, while Ropski, Ouwkes and yours truly stay back home to relax.
Ouwkes and Fedor have been collecting a lot of comps the last year via the My Vegas app, so tonight we are going to Camelot steakhouse in the Excalibur where we get a $200 discount.
We order a lyft to go to the Excalibur and while the driver keeps yapping and telling this is her first week she misses the right exit, so we make a serious detour before we finally arrive.
For those who do not know how this comp-thing works, you have to go to the M-life desk first where you redeem your points and then you get a coupon. You also need your M-life card for this and I see Ouwkes starts to perform his interpretation of the Macarena when he starts patting the front of his jeans, the back of his jeans and then his shirt when he is trying to find his card. Less than 24 hours in Vegas and he is already losing stuff. That’s the Ouwkes we know and love.
We order all the food we like and then some. Porterhouse steaks with lobster tails, loads of side dishes etc.
In hindsight the food was ok, but it was not the best steakhouse we have ever been to. Total amount is close to $600, so with the $200 discount we only need to pay $80 each.
The night is still young and it is time for some serious drinking and gambling. Ouwkes takes his position and from now on, this will be known as: “The Bolt”.
After an hour or so, we leave the Excalibur to return to our favorite ‘gambling-casino’, the Cromwell. Since we are now with the 5 of us we must order a bigger ride, and soon a huge Escalade pulls up to drive us.
Before the gambling continues we sit down at the lounge bar first and order a few drinks, while we watch the parade of (almost exclusively African American) women who are going to the club. All shapes and sizes, all beautiful.
Fedor has an appointment with the roulette-table for a rematch. The first battle was won unanimously by the table, this time it’s payback time and Fedor wins over 1k. Score is now 1-1.
The rest of us are playing Crazy4Poker. Roald is the big winner with over $600 and even Ropski breaks his losing streak and is winning close to $400. And while I also win over $300 there is only 1 guy who is not so lucky…….
There is a Canadian dude at our table and he is quite funny. After a while he states that “you Dutch guys are crazy”. Yes, we hear that a lot.
It’s after 4AM when we are ready to leave. Fedor, Roald and I are taking a cab back home, while Ropski and Ouwkes decide to walk back home. For some reason I am not convinced that is going to be in a straight line.
The average car outside The Cromwell
08-09-2018
, 05:48 PM
08-15-2018
, 02:29 PM
08-15-2018
, 02:53 PM
Day 16, The day I build a pyramid
A week ago, I couldn’t find any decent clothes in the Miracle Mile, so this morning I decide to shop at the Fashionshow Mall. Roald is also up for it, so together we drive to Treasure Island to park the car. I don’t know where the others are, but I receive some pictures of Ropski and Ouwkes talking to what looks like a lady of the night in Caesars.
Later I hear they went to Caesars to play some poker. Ouwkes loses one buy-in and decides to try his luck at the Buffalo slotmachines. A few hours (yes, hours) later Ropski is done with poker and Ouwkes is still feeding the machine. In the meantime, this girl approaches them and Ouwkes being Ouwkes starts to have a lengthy talk with her. She even allows them to take some pictures with her (which I will not post for privacy reasons).
I buy several shirts and shorts and a new wallet. Roald buys some shirts at the Under Armour store and is also in need of a new pair of running shoes. In the Shoe Palace they have the shoes that he wants, but not in the right size. Luckily, they also have a store in the Venetian, so after a 15-minute walk and a quick fit he is also sorted.
There is no way we can leave this casino without some gambling, so we sit down at the Crazy4Poker. We get some decent tips about places to eat (Firefly and Nora’s) and after the second Vodka/pineapple I realize we came here by car. Around 4PM we head back to the apartment where Roald lies down for a moment.
2 Hours later I check up on him.
We have found Ouwkes and Fedor, but I have no idea where Ropski is. We are in the mood for some Italian food, so we opt for Maggiano’s. We got seated at a great table at the window, with a view on the Wynn/Encore. Behind each menu-item, the number of calories are mentioned and suddenly it feels like I am dining with 3 girls. Come on guys, I am off my diet, I don’t want to discuss/count/look at calories. Luckily, this is not leading as Ouwkes orders the carbonara, basically the one with the most calories. Fedor and I choose the veal and Roald has the seafood pasta.
It’s time to face my enemy. In my last trip report, I already mentioned that I have never won in the Mirage even though I really like the casino and the poker room.
I sit down and after 3 hands I am dealt JJ. I raise to 12 and got 3 callers. Flop is AKJ. Not the best of flops, but also not the worst. I c-bet and all the others fold. Now hold on a second….. This is not what I am used to at the Mirage. I am hoping this will be a good omen.
The table is pretty good. Several older guys, but not your typical OMC’s. I don’t know what is happening, but I am getting good hands and most of them even hold.
The guy in seat 1 has a huge stack and is drinking a lot of Heinies. I am in seat 9, but when the guy in seat 2 stops and leaves, I immediately ask for a seat change. People ask me why I change seats, because I am getting good cards, so I use the old excuse that the seat next to the dealer is not really ideal.
I clash with him a few times, but every time he shoves a lot and I have to let go.
Ropski has also joined us and is now seated at my table when this happens:
Ropski, seat 1 and I are going to a flop where I have K
T The flop is T
73
. Seat 1 bets around $40, I call and Ropski goes AI for less than $100. Seat 1 checks his cards and to my surprise, I can actually see what he is playing with. Normally I tell people when I can see their cards, but in this case, we are in the middle of a hand and this is the first time he is holding his cards this way. Probably the amount of alcohol also plays a part in this. He has J5, so he is on a flush draw. He calls. Now, I figure that Ropski has the better hand, but now I am aiming for the side pot, which surely will develop after the turn. I decide to call. The turn is a 2 and he immediately puts me AI. I have over $400 in front of me and I only have to dodge 9 hearts and 3 jacks. So a 75-25 situation. I call and the river is a complete brick. “I missed”, he says. I want to answer with an “I know”, but I keep my mouth shut. I table my hand and many are surprised I called with that hand on the turn. Ropski had A7, so I win the main and the side pot.
A few hands later he donates the rest of his stack to me where I have a hit and a flush draw on the flop, make trips on the turn and make my flush on the river.
I cannot believe I have built a 5-layer pyramid, here, at the Mirage. Ok, with a little (...) extra information in a crucial pot, but still.
When I leave, Ropski wants to take a picture as proof that I really won here. I have a huge smile on my face and one of the players says: “look how happy he is!” I answer him that I am as happy as a monkey with 7 d**ks, which is a Dutch saying. Apparently, this is not a common saying in the English language but they all know what I mean.
It’s around 4AM and I got a picture from Ouwkes. He is playing limit in the Flamingo. I don’t ever want to play limit anymore, so I don’t decide to join him. I want to savor this moment for a long time.
A week ago, I couldn’t find any decent clothes in the Miracle Mile, so this morning I decide to shop at the Fashionshow Mall. Roald is also up for it, so together we drive to Treasure Island to park the car. I don’t know where the others are, but I receive some pictures of Ropski and Ouwkes talking to what looks like a lady of the night in Caesars.
Later I hear they went to Caesars to play some poker. Ouwkes loses one buy-in and decides to try his luck at the Buffalo slotmachines. A few hours (yes, hours) later Ropski is done with poker and Ouwkes is still feeding the machine. In the meantime, this girl approaches them and Ouwkes being Ouwkes starts to have a lengthy talk with her. She even allows them to take some pictures with her (which I will not post for privacy reasons).
I buy several shirts and shorts and a new wallet. Roald buys some shirts at the Under Armour store and is also in need of a new pair of running shoes. In the Shoe Palace they have the shoes that he wants, but not in the right size. Luckily, they also have a store in the Venetian, so after a 15-minute walk and a quick fit he is also sorted.
There is no way we can leave this casino without some gambling, so we sit down at the Crazy4Poker. We get some decent tips about places to eat (Firefly and Nora’s) and after the second Vodka/pineapple I realize we came here by car. Around 4PM we head back to the apartment where Roald lies down for a moment.
2 Hours later I check up on him.
We have found Ouwkes and Fedor, but I have no idea where Ropski is. We are in the mood for some Italian food, so we opt for Maggiano’s. We got seated at a great table at the window, with a view on the Wynn/Encore. Behind each menu-item, the number of calories are mentioned and suddenly it feels like I am dining with 3 girls. Come on guys, I am off my diet, I don’t want to discuss/count/look at calories. Luckily, this is not leading as Ouwkes orders the carbonara, basically the one with the most calories. Fedor and I choose the veal and Roald has the seafood pasta.
It’s time to face my enemy. In my last trip report, I already mentioned that I have never won in the Mirage even though I really like the casino and the poker room.
I sit down and after 3 hands I am dealt JJ. I raise to 12 and got 3 callers. Flop is AKJ. Not the best of flops, but also not the worst. I c-bet and all the others fold. Now hold on a second….. This is not what I am used to at the Mirage. I am hoping this will be a good omen.
The table is pretty good. Several older guys, but not your typical OMC’s. I don’t know what is happening, but I am getting good hands and most of them even hold.
The guy in seat 1 has a huge stack and is drinking a lot of Heinies. I am in seat 9, but when the guy in seat 2 stops and leaves, I immediately ask for a seat change. People ask me why I change seats, because I am getting good cards, so I use the old excuse that the seat next to the dealer is not really ideal.
I clash with him a few times, but every time he shoves a lot and I have to let go.
Ropski has also joined us and is now seated at my table when this happens:
Ropski, seat 1 and I are going to a flop where I have K
T The flop is T73. Seat 1 bets around $40, I call and Ropski goes AI for less than $100. Seat 1 checks his cards and to my surprise, I can actually see what he is playing with. Normally I tell people when I can see their cards, but in this case, we are in the middle of a hand and this is the first time he is holding his cards this way. Probably the amount of alcohol also plays a part in this. He has J5, so he is on a flush draw. He calls. Now, I figure that Ropski has the better hand, but now I am aiming for the side pot, which surely will develop after the turn. I decide to call. The turn is a 2 and he immediately puts me AI. I have over $400 in front of me and I only have to dodge 9 hearts and 3 jacks. So a 75-25 situation. I call and the river is a complete brick. “I missed”, he says. I want to answer with an “I know”, but I keep my mouth shut. I table my hand and many are surprised I called with that hand on the turn. Ropski had A7, so I win the main and the side pot. A few hands later he donates the rest of his stack to me where I have a hit and a flush draw on the flop, make trips on the turn and make my flush on the river.
I cannot believe I have built a 5-layer pyramid, here, at the Mirage. Ok, with a little (...) extra information in a crucial pot, but still.
When I leave, Ropski wants to take a picture as proof that I really won here. I have a huge smile on my face and one of the players says: “look how happy he is!” I answer him that I am as happy as a monkey with 7 d**ks, which is a Dutch saying. Apparently, this is not a common saying in the English language but they all know what I mean.
It’s around 4AM and I got a picture from Ouwkes. He is playing limit in the Flamingo. I don’t ever want to play limit anymore, so I don’t decide to join him. I want to savor this moment for a long time.
08-16-2018
, 01:20 AM
08-16-2018
, 07:28 AM
08-16-2018
, 07:30 AM