It’s not as diverse as anything in Vegas, but there is an international flair I hadn’t anticipated. I had forgotten about the culture of casino diversity until I checked into the Encore Boston Harbor for a night and started exploring the place. It’s like watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics, except everyone is heavier and jonesing for a slot machine and a vodka tonic. It includes cartels of holiday-makers stumbling around with cocktails in oversize novelty cups, brand-obsessed shoppers in sweat shirts that scream “GUCCI,” and couples yelling at each other with sunburnt faces.
Plant yourself on a bench at the Bellagio or find a table at the Flamingo and enjoy the parade of humanity from your personal grandstand. EVERETT - I often tell people that I don’t go to Las Vegas for the gambling - I go for the people watching.
