The Gambler

You gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run...

About 6 years ago, I promised my friend Beaker that I'd take him to my home town of Derry/Londonderry/Legenderry someday. Amazingly, in all of his 30 years he's never been to our second city! This week he's home for a few days for his birthday, and he called in the favour, so this morning we hit the M2 and drove there.

After showing him all the sights - which didn't take very long - we headed on up the coast to Portrush, a properly old-school seaside resort. Our plan was to do some kiting on the beach (Beaker owns some very cool power kites) but it was far too windy and there was a risk that we'd both end up somewhere in the North Atlantic. So instead we spent some time in Barry's, a place that is dear in the hearts of all Northern Irish people but is basically a glorified amusement arcade, and really, is a bit crap. Fun! But crap.

One of the main attractions there has always been the huge collection of 2p machines, which due to inflation seem to have all been replaced by 10p machines! Beaker gambled my stake of £1 first, and made us 10p. Then I had a go, and being the world's most risk-averse gambler, quit as soon as I was in profit, with a grand total of £3.40. Not a bad return on my investment! Here's Beaker, deep in concentration, pondering his next 10p drop :)