The United States of America Sojourn: Atlantic City

30 June

6 PM: Checked in at Courtyard Marriott, Atlantic City.

There is a freshness feel to this small city. Romance, fun and frolic, gambling, shopping all loom large in the air. Called as the mini Las Vegas, this place has a lot for all age groups. Casinos, water parks, live shows, and huge branded outlets are all housed here. But with only a day at our disposal, lets see what can be accommodated. 

"The lock on your room is not meant to keep you in there. "

8 PM: Post dinner at an Indian restaurant, a short visit to the Tajmahal Trump casino was enthralling. Scores of people gambling away on the Roulette, card games, slot machines. Have always wanted to learn the tricks of this trade. Maybe one day, post retirement I would love to sit on the chair or stand at the table and experience why gamblers just can't say NO. 

"A gambler never makes the same mistake twice. It's usually three or more times." 

1 July

"Happy Doctors Day"

9AM:

A morning stroll down the beach. Not in the least comparable to the shores of Miami. This is what the locals have to say. 

We have broken off our group and are on our own the entire morning and afternoon. 

Boardwalk is akin to our Mall Roads. Skaters, bicyclists, and pedestrians all adorn this walkway that extends along the beach and houses the petty retail shops. With the breeze blowing from the sea, the walk is made absolutely refreshing. 

6 PM: It must have been a record breaking shopping, not so much for the amount of purchases but for the time spent for the purpose. 8 hours on the trot with a 30 min break for an amateur shopper is highly commendable. All branded factory outlets

with huge discounts was too much of an attraction to resist at least a peep in. 

7 PM: A magical show at the Tropicana casino by Joe Holiday was captivating to say the least. A stand up comedy with a trickster was the essence of this program. 

9 PM: Dinner at the Taj Mahal Trump

ends a very fruitful day. 

2 July

9 AM: So, the last day of our US sojourn has come. Many things to reflect back on. 

There are huge differences between people of this country and those back home. It's a cultural divide. We generally always see the Westerners as the ones who have spoiled our traditions. We have always been very obedient, faithful, religious and we stay within our social limits. But where is our humanity? It is impossible to list here the differences between both the countries but it would suffice to say that these Americans definitely mind their own business. And please be informed that here we are not discussing politics.  They are the most developed nation and they believe in one principle: LIVE AND LET LIVE. So, let us take back home this message and comprehend it at least, if not implement. 

This US story would be highly incomplete if I don't acknowledge a dear friend's efforts who had inscribed my name on the soil of this country just a few months back and here I am. Rubbish?? Don't know. Thanks Hakim and Insiya.

10 AM: A foot dip in the beach, a walk down the boardwalk and a little more shopping amidst the breeze and rain. 

12 PM: Time to say goodbye to this country of hope.