I’m still not %100, but I think I’m on the tail end of whatever cold I’ve been fighting for the last couple of days. I stayed in the room this morning, enjoying an espresso and the view from the balcony, while JC went downstairs to check out the complimentary breakfast. By late afternoon, I was feeling good enough to take a short walk to explore some of the neighborhood.
We ended up running into some folks from our group and since it was turning into a pretty chilly day, we decided to check out Casino Admiral, a regal looking casino attached to a mall. It’s interesting, because the table games are located under a walkway where spectators gather to watch players gamble. From the tables below, looking up, it almost feels like you’re on display, which I guess in a way you are!
After playing at the tables for a few hours, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant upstairs from the casino. Our friends ate at a Chinese restaurant that JC and I were denied entry to since we are not Chinese! Can you believe it? I thought we misunderstood at first, but soon realized that this particular area of the casino was exclusively for Chinese gamblers only, no exceptions! The manager felt bad for denying us entry, however, and so he gave us a 100 euro voucher to use at the Italian restaurant next door.
I ordered prosciutto with toast and a berry puree to start and then traditional pasta for dinner. Both were really good, but it was the dessert that stole the show, which consisted of a pink grapefruit flavored sorbetto that is literally the best sorbetto that I have ever tasted! I generally don’t go crazy over cold desserts like ice cream, but this was incredible. It was the perfect blend of ice, mixed with real grapefruit pieces that popped in your mouth. Plus, it was just the right amount of sweet and tart – perfection.
When we left the restaurant to walk back to our hotel, it was dark and the casino’s exterior glowed with lights that changed color from red to blue to purple and back again. It was definitely cold outside, but the air felt good on my throat. I know I can’t say for sure, but I have a feeling I’m going to be all better by tomorrow – fingers crossed!
