I cannot overstate how out of character it was for me to suggest a casino. When my parents took me to a casino in Nevada for New Year’s Eve a few years ago, I pocketed the $10 that they gave me to play. I do not risk money. But tonight, why not try Xela’s only casino, the Fantastic Video Lotería.
As we tentatively entered the casino, the men started whistling and hitting on us (badly) in English. Ignoring them, we approached the computerized slots and tried a few with no success because we had no idea what we were doing. What’s the difference between cherries and a 7? I called the resident expert on gambling: my twin brother Alex (who also turned 25 today). He advised, “Go to the roulette table and bet on black.”
I did. First I put in Q50 (US$6), but the roulette table was computerized and I pressed the wrong buttons and lost my money. Faithful to my brother’s advice, I put another Q20 on black…and won! Over the next 20 minutes, I alternated between red and black, and I continually bet on the number 4 (for my birthday). Luck was with me: I won BIG on 4, and I won regularly on red/black. I finished the night with Q700 (US$88), ten times what I first put down! What a thrill!
Sachiko and Becca had fun cheering me on and living the high, and they got friendly with the other Guatemalans at the table. Becca commented at the end of the night, “It was educational. Now I know how to play roulette.”
We rounded out the night with a sleepover, tea, and a movie. Thanks to my friends for a great night, my brother for the roulette tip, and everyone who sent me birthday wishes. What a day!
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