The gang (from the lab) reached Genting Highlands at about 5 in the morning and the first thing that greeted me was the gust of very cold wind. It takes some getting used to and when I'm moving freely around up there, it's time to come down. Time sure flies don't they? Especially when one doesn't get enough from the thrilling rides of the theme park.
Since we'd only be checking into the hotel at noon, we decided to do some exploration around the plaza. Of course, most shops were shut safe for some eateries and the casinos. We made our way into one of the casinos, confirmed that we're over the stipulated age for entry, and behold a small world bustling world. I was walking around the place with a hot beverage in my hand (drinks are free) observing the people my eye happen to fall on. One man has a cigarette between his index and middle fingers, one leg up on a chair and another hand tapping on the slot machine. On the screen, I could see pictures scrolling down, all neatly arranged in five columns. Throughout my few times going into the casinos there (for drinks of course), I'd see two types (or more than that if I'm wrong) of people: well-dressed affluent individuals and individuals wearing a desperate look on their faces. Looks can be deceiving, I know, but in this case I based my observations on the actions and the much overlooked subtle changes of the expression. I believe lexicographers call the latter nuance.
It saddens me to see one could gamble round the clock; downing cups of coffee in between cigarettes stopping only for to ease themselves in the restroom. From word of mouth, those coming up here to win big in the casino only go back to their room to change and bathe. I bet some don't even book a room. As much as I'm against gambling in whatever form, I respect that each individual has their own motivation and hence know what they're in for although most of the time, the desperation and addiction impairs their ability to reason. It saddens me to see how one guy kept going despite losing so much of his chips. I may not know him personally but I believe that these men and women are fathers and mothers and I stopped short of speculating the situation at home, since I'm experiencing it, it wouldn't shock me too much if we're to think of the worst. And then, the number of people at a given time gambling away shocks me. Was it entertainment? Need? Greed? Or addiction? If it isn't too much, I'd say that if one thinks gambling could open a way for riches and a comfortable life then he or she is clinging on false hope. Falsely assured by a brittle scaffold which threatens to fall apart and plunge them deeper.
I could not but if I could, I'd go up to those with a desperate look (isn't difficult to look for one, a guy even scoff at a gal whom I take to be his close companion when she tugged at his sleeve and whispered something) and tell them to pack up and leave.
Lab mates do win and that's all to it. It isn't normal to make gambling a need for quick buck. Anyway, I'd miss the time I had up there: the climate, the view, and the rides (oh yeah!!). One major turn off: the prices of food up there, sad but understandable.
Since we'd only be checking into the hotel at noon, we decided to do some exploration around the plaza. Of course, most shops were shut safe for some eateries and the casinos. We made our way into one of the casinos, confirmed that we're over the stipulated age for entry, and behold a small world bustling world. I was walking around the place with a hot beverage in my hand (drinks are free) observing the people my eye happen to fall on. One man has a cigarette between his index and middle fingers, one leg up on a chair and another hand tapping on the slot machine. On the screen, I could see pictures scrolling down, all neatly arranged in five columns. Throughout my few times going into the casinos there (for drinks of course), I'd see two types (or more than that if I'm wrong) of people: well-dressed affluent individuals and individuals wearing a desperate look on their faces. Looks can be deceiving, I know, but in this case I based my observations on the actions and the much overlooked subtle changes of the expression. I believe lexicographers call the latter nuance.
It saddens me to see one could gamble round the clock; downing cups of coffee in between cigarettes stopping only for to ease themselves in the restroom. From word of mouth, those coming up here to win big in the casino only go back to their room to change and bathe. I bet some don't even book a room. As much as I'm against gambling in whatever form, I respect that each individual has their own motivation and hence know what they're in for although most of the time, the desperation and addiction impairs their ability to reason. It saddens me to see how one guy kept going despite losing so much of his chips. I may not know him personally but I believe that these men and women are fathers and mothers and I stopped short of speculating the situation at home, since I'm experiencing it, it wouldn't shock me too much if we're to think of the worst. And then, the number of people at a given time gambling away shocks me. Was it entertainment? Need? Greed? Or addiction? If it isn't too much, I'd say that if one thinks gambling could open a way for riches and a comfortable life then he or she is clinging on false hope. Falsely assured by a brittle scaffold which threatens to fall apart and plunge them deeper.
I could not but if I could, I'd go up to those with a desperate look (isn't difficult to look for one, a guy even scoff at a gal whom I take to be his close companion when she tugged at his sleeve and whispered something) and tell them to pack up and leave.
Lab mates do win and that's all to it. It isn't normal to make gambling a need for quick buck. Anyway, I'd miss the time I had up there: the climate, the view, and the rides (oh yeah!!). One major turn off: the prices of food up there, sad but understandable.
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