WinStar World Casino - Oklahoma

    My first time at this casino near the TX/ OK border and I brought home $50 in winnings!  Pretty good considering that I'm a novice at slots and don't know how to play!  A $10 motorcoach bus ride earns $20 in gaming credits is all that I played.  Might try my luck again another weekend.

 

The various countries represented in the casino includes China, France, Spain, etc.

There are a number of restaurants in this casino as well as free self service refreshments bars.

Obzeets Restaurant and Bar in Dallas

I've lived in Dallas for so long but just stumbled on this quirky place and they have been around for a long time. They have free evening music entertainment on certain days out in their outdoor patio and a small cover charge on other days when there is a band. They also have a gift shop with interesting artsy glass wares and a koi water fountain on their patio. Best of all, their food is affordable with these entertainment offerings.

Dallas Buddhist Center

Who would have thought there would be a Buddhist temple in urban Dallas. I drove by this area hundreds of times on Forest Lane but had no idea that right behind the main street tucked a Thai temple. Its lovely garden with Koi pond and outdoor sculptures is so picturesque.

I got to visit a few of the Dallas Buddhist Center's festivals this year and experience a little of Thai culture.

There was a Thai Songkran -New Years festival in April! 

Then in May they had a celebration for an new building  addition to their temple. I enjoyed the cultural experience and complementary food and drinks provided!  It was very crowded that day with cultural activities and a parade of people carrying money trees.

Parade with people carrying money trees.

An inside tour of the temple revealed a spectacular view! 

From the stain glass windows to the art adorned walls, it must have been a lot of detailed work involved.

Atlantis Paradise Hotel and Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

On my cruise to the Bahamas, our second stop was Nassau. Just a ferry boat ride away is Paradise Island. A must see is Paradise Island's Atlantis Paradise Hotel and Resort. The hotel was very lavish. Just love seeing their indoor aquarium and glass art pieces in their lobby and casino areas. Also, there were many shops and restaurants encompassing the hotel and its marina area.

 

Cococay, Bahamas

The Bahamas is a wonderful place to visit. Their beaches are lovely and the crystal blue waters are uncomparable to any other place.  On my very first cruise, our first stop was Royal Carribbeans' private island, Cococay. We were tendered from our ship to the island.  It was very laid back, lots of beach chairs, hammocks, and some beach activity such as boating and parasailing. We had an all you can eat barbecue lunch on the island and then it was a lot of sunbathing and relaxing.

 

Hello.

I like to find interesting places near and around Dallas to visit. Outside of Dallas, I love Florida and cruising around the Carribbean. I hope to share some of these places with you.