Chips and Souvenirs
Poker can take you to some of the most exotic places around the world. Here’s what to do there when you are away from the tables.
Playing poker professionally or just for leisure will surely take you to some of the most exotic places around the world. However, unlike most people looking to let their hair down, poker Sharks are always on the lookout for their next victims. Might we suggest that instead of just hitting the proverbial pit or the table, you consider adding the following to your itinerary. After all, what’s all that money good for if you don’t enjoy every once in a while.
The next time you are at any of these places, make sure that you don’t limit your adventures just to the casinos.
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is one of the most iconic poker destinations. The city breathes glamour and panache. It hosts some of the best restaurants and nightclubs in Europe, including Yoshi and Joël Robuchon. However, the crown jewel that places this city in everyone bucket list of places that one must visit, is that every year, the city closes its street to host one of the best motoring event on the planet. We are talking about the Monaco Grand Prix. One of the most challenging race tracks of all time, the Monaco is the quintessential street circuit across all motor sports. Narrow, fast and with wheel killing curbs watching the best racers compete for the coveted winner’s shield and the glory that entails hass entertained people for decades. If for some reason, you miss out on the frivolities of Formula One, the 23 kilometre drive between Nice and Monaco, along the French Riviera cannot be missed.
Macau
As a city, Macau sits right at the cusp of history and modernity. Apart from being a world class poker destination, it is also one of the most incredible places to visit in Asia. There are a number of museums in Macau for people with special interests. For example, if you have a keen interest in motor racing, visit the Grand Prix Museum. Or if you are an ardent wine connoisseur, Macau’s Wine Museum will surely pique your interest. Also consider visiting the Senado Square, for a leisurely stroll, which is also a great shopping destinations with outlets from some of the best brands and fashion houses. For the adrenaline junkies out there, who love to live life on the edge, there are numerous skywalking and bungee jumping points on the Macau Tower. And to cool yourself down, watch the sun set with some great Chinese beer on the Hac Sa Beach.
Las Vegas
Do we even need to explain why Las Vegas makes the list? Apart from some restaurants by some of the most iconic chefs ever, like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay, the city boasts of some of the best strip clubs in the United States of America. Furthermore, the city also offers some of the best experiential activities such as drag racing, desert safaris and helicopter or hot air balloon rides over the deserts of Nevada. However, if you prefer to stay within the city and take in all of Las Vegas’ glory, you can hit a number of shows. Many notable performers including several burlesque dancers, magicians, mentalists and circuses have made Las Vegas their home and regularly organise some of the most spectacular shows. Apart from all this, some of the most iconic boxing matches have been hosted in the numerous arenas in Las Vegas. These include Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGrego, and Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes, the legend’s last fight.
Paradise Islands, Bahama
As far as the Bahamas are concerned, there’s never a dull moment. Besides extravagant casinos and an array of spectacular nightclubs, the island has a lot to offer. Besides numerous water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing, the island has some of the best snorkelling spots on earth. You can also try your hands at deep sea diving and explore the alleged ruins of Atlantis. Furthermore, there are numerous ferries and charters that you can book and visit islands nearby, which give access to some of the best preserved reefs in the world. The aquatic fauna around the islands is spectacular. So clear is the water, and so profound the experience, that people have often likened the experience to visiting some extra-terrestrial place.
From the April-May 2019 issue of FHM India.
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