I was MIA from posting yesterday.

My sister invited me to join her on the casino bus. Although I do enjoy casino gambling from time to time, I had never done the 1.5 hour bus trip from here to Regina, our province’s capital city.

Casino Regina is in the downtown area and directly across from the city centre mall. Many ride the bus just to enjoy some shopping.

The casino is in the former Union Train Station, so the historic architecture alone is worth the visit. There is currently a major interior renovation happening. The central hall (formerly the station’s grand concourse) and the east end are completed. The west end is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

Although I can understand the need for upkeep, I’m not fond of the interior designer’s vision to modernize everything. Previous to the renovation, the polished brass appointments, the ceilings, and the grand chandeliers were in keeping with the history of the building. Now, it seems to have taken on a gaudy feel.

Aside from my disappointment in the renovations, the day was an enjoyable getaway.

“Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.”

Julia Morgan