Why is it after each visit with Joe, Barbara and Leigh I'm using titles like "rendered duck fat" "eating my way across the city" things like that? Ha! That does make me laugh.
I'm back in Idaho now. I had a pretty uneventful flight home and then yesterday morning had my hair cut. It had been a long time. It feels so much better now. Amazing how that works isn't it?!
Today I got up and visited my storage unit and found all my "normal" clothes. Wow, I have too much stuff...feeling the urge to purge really bad! That is usually the case when I live with so little for months at a time and then come home and find I don't need most of what I've got packed. While I was sorting and trying stuff on I was fighting with that guilty feeling that it was time to get out there and get a job, so now I'm dressed and ready to hit the streets (so to speak). My plan for the immediate future is to find a paying job here in Boise and then continue the tour guide job hunt in the mean time. No sense sitting around waiting for people to call when I could at least be making some bucks.
No word yet from the Hawaii people. I'll call them and see what the deal is soon. Maybe they use "island time"?
Yesterday I took the day to really sit and think about what was to come. What do I want to do? Where do I want to go (that one is a list you realize!!) all of the options require money, which I've none of. I need to learn a language to be more employable for international tour companies. So, what I came up with was, just get a job in Boise, work my butt off, stay with my poor parents (again!!) and save money. Its the cheapest way to go. Hawaii will cost me rent and a car, a move anywhere will cost me naturally, so this is a good move. Now, when someone calls and says "hey we've got this great job for you in Pennsylvania" then you know I'll be on the next flight out! But for now. I'm off to job hunt.
I've had little communication with my last group. They either didn't get my emails or are just busy and have not responded yet. Its really pretty sad how attached I get to them and then off they go back to their lives. I always forget that other people actually work hard for a living! Imagine that!
I found a magnet that sums it up pretty well..."I live in my own little world, but its okay, they know me here!"
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rendered Duck Fat
It is as good as it sounds. No joke! Joe was talking about this feast he made the other day...pomme frittes in rendered duck fat and pulverized bacon as a "salt" on top. Oh man! I said..."hmmm what else can you cook in duck fat?" and the idea was born. I'd stop at the store this afternoon and bring home shallots so that he could slice them really thin and cook them in duck fat. Wow, what a treat! Then he pulled out home made corned beef and fried that in the oil as well! Wow! What a feast. When I was at the store I'd bought wine and a box of gourmet soup to have for dinner and Leigh shared his yummy sourdough bread with me so I ate well and then was spoiled with duck fat dreams. We washed it down with some wine. Earthy, as Joe described it. Hmmm
I got up early today and headed into work so that I could get my paperwork done and since Walter wasn't called into work today, he came and picked me up and we had a great day out in the sun. What a beautiful city this is when the sun is out!
We went and had lunch at this yummy Mexican place and then headed to Berkeley for Ici Ice Cream. Wow, the deserts in that place were over the top. Gourmet ice cream and hand made waffle cones. The cones were so good it was a real shame to put ice cream in them. They sold all sorts of amazing deserts and sweets besides ice cream and I washed it all down with Blue Bottle coffee which seems to be all the rage here right now.
From there we drove across SF to Ocean Beach and had a great time walking around Cliff House and then on the beach itself. What an unusual experience as that beach is so cold normally. The water was still cold but the temperature was amazing! What a nice day we had!
After all that I came home and Joe cooked up a feast so its been a good day. Tomorrow Walter will pick me up and we'll head to Chow for pancakes. Yeah!
I fly out at 3:45 ish, connect in Denver. Ugh, then home. I applied for a job in Hawaii today. At a place that does short local tours of all sorts. Jeep, horse, catamaran, walking. We'll see what happens.
I got up early today and headed into work so that I could get my paperwork done and since Walter wasn't called into work today, he came and picked me up and we had a great day out in the sun. What a beautiful city this is when the sun is out!
We went and had lunch at this yummy Mexican place and then headed to Berkeley for Ici Ice Cream. Wow, the deserts in that place were over the top. Gourmet ice cream and hand made waffle cones. The cones were so good it was a real shame to put ice cream in them. They sold all sorts of amazing deserts and sweets besides ice cream and I washed it all down with Blue Bottle coffee which seems to be all the rage here right now.
From there we drove across SF to Ocean Beach and had a great time walking around Cliff House and then on the beach itself. What an unusual experience as that beach is so cold normally. The water was still cold but the temperature was amazing! What a nice day we had!
After all that I came home and Joe cooked up a feast so its been a good day. Tomorrow Walter will pick me up and we'll head to Chow for pancakes. Yeah!
I fly out at 3:45 ish, connect in Denver. Ugh, then home. I applied for a job in Hawaii today. At a place that does short local tours of all sorts. Jeep, horse, catamaran, walking. We'll see what happens.
Its like I'm enjoying this third tour or something?
Its either I've been enjoying it more or goofing off or too tired to sit and type (which is no excuse right?!) This blog is all over the place, many days worth of writing and then finally a posting!
I'm now sitting in Tusayan AZ outside Grand Canyon National Park. I drove a couple of guests into the park very early today so they could attempt the river. Its a long walk down to the Colorado and then back up again. While I was driving in we saw this huge bull Elk. What a beauty he was! He was just wandering along the road have a little breakfast. Pretty neat, I haven't seen many Elk on this trip or any others really.
The rest of the group will be going on the helicopters at 10 am and then we'll all head into the park for some hiking. They stopped the Tusayan Shuttle so coordinating the drive out has been tougher than usual.
We left Tsegi (Anasazi Inn) in a downpour! They had given me a hard time because I'd said to them "bring your rain coats for Monument Valley" and then it was a beautiful evening there. But I wasn't sure since I'd been there twice when a rain storm came through.
Lets see, looks like I stopped typing at Zion.Yes, to follow up my last comment on that last blog. The next day (we had until 2 pm to chill out before we went to Bryce) I got up early and went into the park with one of the guests to see the sunrise in Zion. Amazing! What a beautiful place that is! Then we decided to head up the river walk to see if we could find the tarantulas that live there. He says they are nocturnal and that we'd likely have missed them but we went and looked anyways. We found a mom and baby deer on the trail and that was nice. No spiders though :( After that we decided we were hungry so we went out to Springdale and had breakfast at the hotel, it was really nice, we talked and talked and then we went and sat by the pool (in our hiking clothes and boots~no suntanning!) and chilled out and chatted some more.
I drove us to Bryce Canyon next. We got there mid afternoon and I drove them into the park to have a look around and we watched the sunset for a little while and then I decided to get moving so we'd beat the buses to dinner at Ruby's, it couldn't have worked out better. There was a disabled bus that was running really slowly and being followed by a ranger so we luckily got right behind him and I could see in my mirror that the buses were all behind me so I got the group primed to run into Ruby's while I parked and they got a table.
The next day we had the entire day to hike etc so I got them all into the park and found a spot to put the van and we all parted ways for the day. I went for a hike with two of the better hikers and we did the Fairyland Loop Trail. 8.4 miles it turned out to be. I didn't know that going into it or I might have thought twice. It was really a scenic walk. Lots of up and downs and the one guy kept saying, its just up that last hill there (trying to motivate me) and then we'd get there and there would be another hill. We got to the "top" finally, only to discover that it was still another 2.7 miles to the beginning of the trail and my lunch feast!! Sad face!
**Well, after all this writing I did, I walked away from this post and its now been a week. I'm back in San Francisco again and happy to be done and going home for a little relaxing and major job hunting. My last tour ended up really well. Lots of mistakes again.
Bryce turned out to be everyones favorite park. Which is saying something. I think having an entire day there to really see it helped alot. After Bryce was Lake Powell. That was a new stop for me. We left Bryce in the morning and headed to Page AZ. We got there with enough time to walk to the Horseshue Bend in the Colorado River, just past the Glen Canyon Dam. It was only a 3/4 mile trail and worth the view.
Then we went and spent some time at the dam visitor center and then headed to the hotel. We were there in plenty of time to enjoy the pool and have a drink before dinner. Since there were so many people there we split up and got our own tables etc. I was with two of my guests and we had a really yummy dinner and some drinks. What a nice place that was. The hotel sits up on the north side of the lake and is right on the lake. Since the weather was so hot it was a really great evening to stroll the sidewalks and sit on the bench and relax. The one photographer in the bunch was showing me how to set my camera to take a moon shot etc. That was pretty neat.
The next morning we got up early and went to Antelope Canyon for a tour! What an awesome place! We stopped by the office and Bonnie picked us up in this hilarious "jeep" which was again, a pickup truck with bench seats in it. Then she hauled butt to the canyon entrance, which you can drive right up to (not us but the guides) and since I was so early with the reservation we were able to have the canyon to ourselves for most of the time. By the time we left it was so crowded you could hardly get through the narrow bits. The crowds weren't a big deal if you were taking pictures up but trying to get the actual canyon without people would have been hard to do. Its an awesome place. I mean really really cool!
We all managed to survive the event (mostly the driving) and then went on down the road towards Monument Valley. As you can imagine this was my favorite day of the tour! There was no rain this time in Monument Valley and the weather was just right. We had a great time, they all really liked John our guide and we were able to see the sunset while in the park. The best part was seeing the moon rise though. How awesome! It was so bright! Our dinner and entertainment was on a different side of the Raingod Mesa so it was all new to me this time. We had Elroy as our dancer but Harold as our singer story teller. It was great! Absolutely loved it! I think the group did too. They all mentioned it in their evaluations.
The rest of this trip until the last day was the same itinerary I'd done. We stopped at Navajo National Monument and then to Grand Canyon. We stayed in time for sunset the first day and then headed to the hotel for some dinner and bed time. The next morning we had a bit of a lay in and then Helicopters at 10 am (which is too late really) one of my couples chose not to do the flight so I got up really early and took them into the park so they could go hiking into the canyon. They planned to hike to the river and back so they got an early start. I took them in at 6:30am They managed it and were really happy about having the chance to do that.
For my Grand Canyon adventure this time, I took the red shuttle bus out to Hermits Rest. A new part of the park I hadn't been to basically. I decided I'd go out to the end of the line and then walk back along the rim. It's a 7 mile walk. About 5 miles in I decided to go catch a bus and go relax on a porch somewhere. Unfortunately for me everyone had that same idea so I just kept walking. I went to the El Tovar Lodge where the rocking chairs and benches are usually empty but there was people everywhere.
I will say that the walk along the rim in that section of the park is pretty wild, you're literally hiking at your own risk, the edge is very close. If you were to be lollygagging and looking around you'd fall into the canyon. No joke. I finally had to stop and look around every now and then so I wouldn't wander over the edge. Wow.
I decided we'd do our final dinner together in Grand Canyon since we'd all have things to do in Las Vegas so we ate at Yippee Ei Oh. Man, they cook a mean steak!! We had a great time, great laughs and tons of food! It was really fun!
Route 66 day was a bust really. I didn't get a sense for their expectations and spent too much time stopping at the fun stuff. They just wanted to get to Vegas. I messed that up really good. I should have just given then a quick drive around and then off we'd go. By the time we got to Hoover Dam they were tired of traveling, tired of the heat and ready to get to Las Vegas. It was really bad. I had one couple that had tickets to a show at 7pm, which I thought I'd have no trouble pulling off. Yeah, they were running to the box office to get their tickets at will call. They only had 5 minutes to spare. Ugh.
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I went to Ross and bought some 10 dollar shoes to wear with my black dress. I put in my clip in hair and off I went with one of the guests to have a look around. She was really excited to be there and it was really fun. Her and I and another guest had a snack at a place called "Snacks" in the Bellagio, then we had drinks at "First" in the Venetian and then we wandered on back to the hotel. I'll tell you, around 3am the streets are empty, its really weird. People are still inside and the casinos are still busy but the streets are not. It was really a weird time to be out and about.
Once I got them all dropped off at the airport (which was really sad~again) I drove to the Rio where I waited for another guide who was coming through, so we could switch vans. His van was blowing out hot air from the back A/C vents. Ugh, can you imagine? Going through Death Valley which was already hot and having hot air blowing. I don't know how they managed that!
I had a great drive back to SF this time. I stopped in this little town called Baker. I really liked it there. The worlds tallest Thermometer and then the Alien Fresh Jerky store (Abducted Cow Teriyaki, BBQ on the Moon, Space Cowboy Pepper). What a hoot! I made it as far as Bakersfield before I had to pull over and get a room. I slept for 12 hours (its my own fault~ Vegas did it to me) and then on to San Francisco.
On my way past Hayward I stopped to say hello and goodbye to Walter. Poor guy, I'm always just passing through. We had a nice visit and then I got back to the office and repacked for my flight home on Tuesday.
All together I'd say this tour was okay. I've been thinking about why I struggled with 12 again. I think partly because I had some complainers in this group, they were jelly-fishers, people who'd seem happy and quiet and then zing you with a comment about something they didn't like. Ugh. that was tough. The other reason i struggled with this group was that I'd try to keep them ALL happy and it was impossible. Since there were enough singles in this bunch to have 12 different opinions I couldn't pull it off. They wanted bossy, leadership and whip cracking and I kept saying things like, "well, lets do this instead of that" I was so successful with my last bunch because it was the mom and dad and the single guy making the decisions for everyone and that was much easier. Its interesting. I do suck at this job mostly. I think I mentioned above that the one guy had plenty to critique me on. He basically said, put your foot down, they expect that. Don't be wishy washy and do try to be very precise about your instructions. Wow...
He also said a couple more things I wanted to put down in writing. When I am supposed to remember a few things I associate them with part of my routine for that day. He said if there are 10 things I need to tell someone or remember (5 or 3) that the top three most important things should be the first thing in the list, the middle thing in the list and the last thing in the list. I'll have to email him and get that straight before I try to pull that off. Either way he was a big help.
The rest of the group will be going on the helicopters at 10 am and then we'll all head into the park for some hiking. They stopped the Tusayan Shuttle so coordinating the drive out has been tougher than usual.
We left Tsegi (Anasazi Inn) in a downpour! They had given me a hard time because I'd said to them "bring your rain coats for Monument Valley" and then it was a beautiful evening there. But I wasn't sure since I'd been there twice when a rain storm came through.
Lets see, looks like I stopped typing at Zion.Yes, to follow up my last comment on that last blog. The next day (we had until 2 pm to chill out before we went to Bryce) I got up early and went into the park with one of the guests to see the sunrise in Zion. Amazing! What a beautiful place that is! Then we decided to head up the river walk to see if we could find the tarantulas that live there. He says they are nocturnal and that we'd likely have missed them but we went and looked anyways. We found a mom and baby deer on the trail and that was nice. No spiders though :( After that we decided we were hungry so we went out to Springdale and had breakfast at the hotel, it was really nice, we talked and talked and then we went and sat by the pool (in our hiking clothes and boots~no suntanning!) and chilled out and chatted some more.
I drove us to Bryce Canyon next. We got there mid afternoon and I drove them into the park to have a look around and we watched the sunset for a little while and then I decided to get moving so we'd beat the buses to dinner at Ruby's, it couldn't have worked out better. There was a disabled bus that was running really slowly and being followed by a ranger so we luckily got right behind him and I could see in my mirror that the buses were all behind me so I got the group primed to run into Ruby's while I parked and they got a table.The next day we had the entire day to hike etc so I got them all into the park and found a spot to put the van and we all parted ways for the day. I went for a hike with two of the better hikers and we did the Fairyland Loop Trail. 8.4 miles it turned out to be. I didn't know that going into it or I might have thought twice. It was really a scenic walk. Lots of up and downs and the one guy kept saying, its just up that last hill there (trying to motivate me) and then we'd get there and there would be another hill. We got to the "top" finally, only to discover that it was still another 2.7 miles to the beginning of the trail and my lunch feast!! Sad face!
**Well, after all this writing I did, I walked away from this post and its now been a week. I'm back in San Francisco again and happy to be done and going home for a little relaxing and major job hunting. My last tour ended up really well. Lots of mistakes again.
Bryce turned out to be everyones favorite park. Which is saying something. I think having an entire day there to really see it helped alot. After Bryce was Lake Powell. That was a new stop for me. We left Bryce in the morning and headed to Page AZ. We got there with enough time to walk to the Horseshue Bend in the Colorado River, just past the Glen Canyon Dam. It was only a 3/4 mile trail and worth the view.
Then we went and spent some time at the dam visitor center and then headed to the hotel. We were there in plenty of time to enjoy the pool and have a drink before dinner. Since there were so many people there we split up and got our own tables etc. I was with two of my guests and we had a really yummy dinner and some drinks. What a nice place that was. The hotel sits up on the north side of the lake and is right on the lake. Since the weather was so hot it was a really great evening to stroll the sidewalks and sit on the bench and relax. The one photographer in the bunch was showing me how to set my camera to take a moon shot etc. That was pretty neat.
We all managed to survive the event (mostly the driving) and then went on down the road towards Monument Valley. As you can imagine this was my favorite day of the tour! There was no rain this time in Monument Valley and the weather was just right. We had a great time, they all really liked John our guide and we were able to see the sunset while in the park. The best part was seeing the moon rise though. How awesome! It was so bright! Our dinner and entertainment was on a different side of the Raingod Mesa so it was all new to me this time. We had Elroy as our dancer but Harold as our singer story teller. It was great! Absolutely loved it! I think the group did too. They all mentioned it in their evaluations.
The rest of this trip until the last day was the same itinerary I'd done. We stopped at Navajo National Monument and then to Grand Canyon. We stayed in time for sunset the first day and then headed to the hotel for some dinner and bed time. The next morning we had a bit of a lay in and then Helicopters at 10 am (which is too late really) one of my couples chose not to do the flight so I got up really early and took them into the park so they could go hiking into the canyon. They planned to hike to the river and back so they got an early start. I took them in at 6:30am They managed it and were really happy about having the chance to do that.
For my Grand Canyon adventure this time, I took the red shuttle bus out to Hermits Rest. A new part of the park I hadn't been to basically. I decided I'd go out to the end of the line and then walk back along the rim. It's a 7 mile walk. About 5 miles in I decided to go catch a bus and go relax on a porch somewhere. Unfortunately for me everyone had that same idea so I just kept walking. I went to the El Tovar Lodge where the rocking chairs and benches are usually empty but there was people everywhere.
I will say that the walk along the rim in that section of the park is pretty wild, you're literally hiking at your own risk, the edge is very close. If you were to be lollygagging and looking around you'd fall into the canyon. No joke. I finally had to stop and look around every now and then so I wouldn't wander over the edge. Wow.
I decided we'd do our final dinner together in Grand Canyon since we'd all have things to do in Las Vegas so we ate at Yippee Ei Oh. Man, they cook a mean steak!! We had a great time, great laughs and tons of food! It was really fun!
Route 66 day was a bust really. I didn't get a sense for their expectations and spent too much time stopping at the fun stuff. They just wanted to get to Vegas. I messed that up really good. I should have just given then a quick drive around and then off we'd go. By the time we got to Hoover Dam they were tired of traveling, tired of the heat and ready to get to Las Vegas. It was really bad. I had one couple that had tickets to a show at 7pm, which I thought I'd have no trouble pulling off. Yeah, they were running to the box office to get their tickets at will call. They only had 5 minutes to spare. Ugh.
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Once I got them all dropped off at the airport (which was really sad~again) I drove to the Rio where I waited for another guide who was coming through, so we could switch vans. His van was blowing out hot air from the back A/C vents. Ugh, can you imagine? Going through Death Valley which was already hot and having hot air blowing. I don't know how they managed that!
I had a great drive back to SF this time. I stopped in this little town called Baker. I really liked it there. The worlds tallest Thermometer and then the Alien Fresh Jerky store (Abducted Cow Teriyaki, BBQ on the Moon, Space Cowboy Pepper). What a hoot! I made it as far as Bakersfield before I had to pull over and get a room. I slept for 12 hours (its my own fault~ Vegas did it to me) and then on to San Francisco.
On my way past Hayward I stopped to say hello and goodbye to Walter. Poor guy, I'm always just passing through. We had a nice visit and then I got back to the office and repacked for my flight home on Tuesday.
All together I'd say this tour was okay. I've been thinking about why I struggled with 12 again. I think partly because I had some complainers in this group, they were jelly-fishers, people who'd seem happy and quiet and then zing you with a comment about something they didn't like. Ugh. that was tough. The other reason i struggled with this group was that I'd try to keep them ALL happy and it was impossible. Since there were enough singles in this bunch to have 12 different opinions I couldn't pull it off. They wanted bossy, leadership and whip cracking and I kept saying things like, "well, lets do this instead of that" I was so successful with my last bunch because it was the mom and dad and the single guy making the decisions for everyone and that was much easier. Its interesting. I do suck at this job mostly. I think I mentioned above that the one guy had plenty to critique me on. He basically said, put your foot down, they expect that. Don't be wishy washy and do try to be very precise about your instructions. Wow...
He also said a couple more things I wanted to put down in writing. When I am supposed to remember a few things I associate them with part of my routine for that day. He said if there are 10 things I need to tell someone or remember (5 or 3) that the top three most important things should be the first thing in the list, the middle thing in the list and the last thing in the list. I'll have to email him and get that straight before I try to pull that off. Either way he was a big help.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Zion Blunders
I was so certain I had this place all figured out. I look forward to coming to Springdale, doing laundry and just settling in. I've done it that way twice now. Well my Death Valley, Las Vegas sprint turned into a marathon and after 8 hours of driving we finally got to Springdale at 7pm. Its as I expected but what I had forgotten was that its getting dark earlier now and the visitor center and entrance station are closed so that meant, no mini tour, no stickers for early entry in the morning (their free hiking day) so luckily one of the other tour guides was also staying here and had two extra stickers that they could use. Everything was arranged, the early risers (6:45 bus) would go early to start their hike and the rest would meet me at 8:30am and we'd go in together. Turns out those stickers were only a day pass not a week like normal (do they have that?) so at 7:28am ( I know that because my alarm was set to go off at 7:30) I got a really loud knock and the guys were at my door saying they couldn't get into the park. So I had to get dressed and find the keys and take them back to the entrance. The guy saw me coming with my binder and felt bad but the stickers didn't have the yellow mark so I got them all in the gate and I returned to the hotel to get ready and meet the group.
I was planning to do Hidden Canyon, as were one of my couples and I'd started up the steep bit when a ranger came down and said they were closing the trails for trail work! I was like "Nooooooo!!" I just sent those two guys up a trail that was closing. I'd never hear the end of it for sure! But it turns out they were ahead of the rangers and were both very happy and worn out so I was off the hook. It did mean I didn't get my hike in. I was to meet them at one o'clock to do the Narrows trail so by the time I got down it was too late to start another hike, i decided to hang out at Zion Lodge and that was nice! I got a big table on the patio outside and I shared my chairs with a bunch of different people while I waited. I met these two old guys who were riding motorcycles all over the US. They were from OK and TX and were making a big look. The one guy was 87 or something. They were funny. Then I got a set of three ladies, two really old cute ladies and their caretaker daughter. They were so grateful for a seat and they were nice. Then it was a couple, I'm not sure from where. I did finally run into part of my group so they sat down and we had a good catch up. Then the boys showed up
After a while we went up the Narrows which is a hike that turns from trail to river and the canyon narrows and you literally walk through the river up the canyon. Its the most fun! I mean, really fun! So scenic there too. The light was reflecting and the hanging gardens and the waterfalls and the rock, it was great. So glad I got my shoes wet!
I turned us around at about 5:30pm because I didn't want to be in there when it got dark and that was good. We came out and caught the bus and went to the Court of the Patriarchs and watched the sun go down a bit and then we came back to town. I had to do laundry so I ran across the street and put my stuff in and the boys met me there and we did laundry and then had some dinner at Pizza and Pasta. It was good.
Tomorrow I'm getting up really early to go see sunrise here and then I'll head back and take a nap and get packed and go enjoy the park a bit more.
We drive from here to Bryce tomorrow. We do that at 2pm so everyone gets time to do another hike and see the park some more. Its a nice schedule. We get to Bryce around 4ish and I'll get them checked in and to the visitor center and to a few view points and then we'll eat at Ruby's I think I'll buy a sweatshirt there too. Its supposed to be getting much colder there now.
Anyways, all seems well. I just don't feel very in control and one guy I have on this tour has been subtly hinting to me about things, he is a natural teacher you can tell. He does teach so there you have it.
I've quite a few Londoners this time and its been a funny mix. They seem to be coming out of their shells a bit more. I should have done more intro games or something.
Well I think that about covers it. I'm managing alright but not happy with my performance. Not sure what they all think of me either. Its hard to say.
I was planning to do Hidden Canyon, as were one of my couples and I'd started up the steep bit when a ranger came down and said they were closing the trails for trail work! I was like "Nooooooo!!" I just sent those two guys up a trail that was closing. I'd never hear the end of it for sure! But it turns out they were ahead of the rangers and were both very happy and worn out so I was off the hook. It did mean I didn't get my hike in. I was to meet them at one o'clock to do the Narrows trail so by the time I got down it was too late to start another hike, i decided to hang out at Zion Lodge and that was nice! I got a big table on the patio outside and I shared my chairs with a bunch of different people while I waited. I met these two old guys who were riding motorcycles all over the US. They were from OK and TX and were making a big look. The one guy was 87 or something. They were funny. Then I got a set of three ladies, two really old cute ladies and their caretaker daughter. They were so grateful for a seat and they were nice. Then it was a couple, I'm not sure from where. I did finally run into part of my group so they sat down and we had a good catch up. Then the boys showed up
After a while we went up the Narrows which is a hike that turns from trail to river and the canyon narrows and you literally walk through the river up the canyon. Its the most fun! I mean, really fun! So scenic there too. The light was reflecting and the hanging gardens and the waterfalls and the rock, it was great. So glad I got my shoes wet!
I turned us around at about 5:30pm because I didn't want to be in there when it got dark and that was good. We came out and caught the bus and went to the Court of the Patriarchs and watched the sun go down a bit and then we came back to town. I had to do laundry so I ran across the street and put my stuff in and the boys met me there and we did laundry and then had some dinner at Pizza and Pasta. It was good.
Tomorrow I'm getting up really early to go see sunrise here and then I'll head back and take a nap and get packed and go enjoy the park a bit more.
We drive from here to Bryce tomorrow. We do that at 2pm so everyone gets time to do another hike and see the park some more. Its a nice schedule. We get to Bryce around 4ish and I'll get them checked in and to the visitor center and to a few view points and then we'll eat at Ruby's I think I'll buy a sweatshirt there too. Its supposed to be getting much colder there now.
Anyways, all seems well. I just don't feel very in control and one guy I have on this tour has been subtly hinting to me about things, he is a natural teacher you can tell. He does teach so there you have it.
I've quite a few Londoners this time and its been a funny mix. They seem to be coming out of their shells a bit more. I should have done more intro games or something.
Well I think that about covers it. I'm managing alright but not happy with my performance. Not sure what they all think of me either. Its hard to say.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Amateur Hour
Amateur Hour
(this is my blog during the "black out" no internet in Yosemite~ so I'm taking you back to Monday morning)
I don’t know what’s come over me! This tour is exactly like my first…the only difference is I know how to answer the questions better. What happened?! I got the van all checked out by Joe and then got the trailer hooked up and was 15 minutes late picking up my group!! Ack!! I had just lectured them about being on time! I had forgotten the cooler 1st of all and then got stuck in morning traffic getting to the hotel so there was no way around it. I couldn’t believe it! How embarrassing! They were all waiting for me.
After being so late, I got them all loaded up and on the road and I was on the right street headed in the right direction, towards 80 East-Bay Bridge, I was even in the right lane…to get onto 101 South!! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I’ve never taken 101 South so I had to get off at the first exit which was Cesar Chavez West…oops, I’ve gotten lost and taken that journey before!! It looked really familiar, but this time I found a street name I recognized and turned on it and it led me right to the freeway, what a happy accident that was! So almost 30 minutes later we were on the road!
I’m finding time management and eating are challenges again. Something about a group that can’t fend for themselves, I don’t get a chance to take care of business for myself. I HATE that!!
We stopped at Denise’s for some fruit and then lunch at Hilmar Cheese Factory. They did well there. I guess, they didn’t say.
This has been a really challenging group! They are very much into standing there until I say 3 times “get in the van” or “get out of the van” it’s been really difficult. The van is deadly quiet! It’s like I’m driving a bunch of cold fish around. I’ve never seen anything like it. Not one peep out the entire 12 people!! 12 people, no one has a thing to say?
I don’t like awkward silences. It makes me REALLY uncomfortable! When I look back they are all awake, that’s the other thing! Not a single napper in the group, so I see their quiet sullen faces when I look back, I finally stopped looking.
The thing is, these people really great people, very interesting and nice and lots to share and the minute they get into the van they all clam up!
I am so inept at conversation starting that I just drive the van. I hate that! If Jan A were here she would have these people talking in no time!!
I finally turned the radio on and made them listen to country music. That really went over. Guess what they did and said? Nothing! Boohoo!
I was trying to get fuel today and the card reader was sending me inside and the guy behind me needed me to move up and then there was a guest reminding me about ice and then she lost her crown and where’s a dentist and I just wanted to get fuel and go pee. That was a near tears moment. I ate something.
I thought for sure once I got them out of the van and we went for a hike (in Mariposa Grove) that they’d wake up and feel better and come around…but no. There was no talkie…just silencio. I took them up to Glacier Point and on the way I realized that I should have read the dossier to see if Mariposa Grove was even listed. And for that matter Glacier Point. Hmmm I made the whole day WAY longer than it had to be because the trees ended up not being on there…oh well, bonus. And Glacier Point was a disappointment for them, as I’d gotten there just before sunset only to discover that the restaurant at the Cedar Lodge stopped serving earlier now so we couldn’t stay. Oh my photographer was really bummed! I told him it was either dinner or photos.
Then I had to do that drive in the dark!! And Tunnel View was pitch black. Wah!!
By the time we got to the hotel it was time to eat for sure!
Dinner was super fun. They all stood there and I finally turned around and said “why don’t you guys find a table and sit down” I mean…hello! It makes me laugh really.
~ I'm just now back online so I'll catch up once again. This has been challenging. Its like the first tour all over again. I think its the questions they ask or something?! I mean, I know how to answer them but they ask over and over again the same thing. I'm also sucking at time management again. Not sure how that happens.
I did a good job getting them into Yosemite for the big hike day. I dropped them off, got them oriented to the shuttles and then off we all went. I started and finished with a good sized group of people for the Mist Trail hike. They are good hikers. Very steady and the one guy can out hike me, you should see his pace. I keep a pretty good pace but he had more stamina than me. He finally passed by me and I had to catch up. I'm sending him on a tough hike in Zion! Without me of course! I'm doing Hidden Canyon anyways. So, back to the hike. We all got to the top and then turned around and I went back to Curry Village with the guy and we had an ice cream and then walked up to Mirror Lake which was almost totally dry!! We came around the corner and there was no water and he just looked at me...I had told ALL of them, it could be a puddle by now since it was drying out in the valley. Sure enough, we had to keep walking to find the water. It was pretty funny! Totally figures that I sent all the "walkers" to that place not knowing it was THAT dry! Sheesh! You can't win, its kind of funny actually!
We managed to find a bunch of people at the ice cream place after that hike and someone else bought me another ice cream. So I basically ate lunch and and dinner at the Curry Village Ice Cream Shop. Wow. Good thing I'd hiked nearly 10 miles that day!
We got back to the hotel and I met a few of the gals and one guy at the bar for a drink and we had a good chat and some laughs. They are really enjoyable people its just when they get together for some reason...
This group is quiet about everything that I don't quite know what they are thinking or feeling. They suffer through a lot without a peep so I try to compensate. Its really stressing me out. So weird to feel that way again when I know this tour so well.
This one guy was sitting on the very edge of the seat because he didn't want to ask the other guy to scoot over. I turned around twice to ask the others to move for him and finally decided he could do it for himself and he never would.
Since they are so quiet and giving little or not great feedback, I think I need to be more assertive, that is what David said on my first tour. He said "just tell us what you want and when and on and on. We're going to complain possibly but we understand how it goes". Today I got them into Upper Yosemite and stopped at Tenaya Lake, which is a really really pretty place, very peaceful and the lake is pristine. They wanted to picnic and swim and then one guy says, now if you were a good tour guide you'd have whipped out a barbecue and we'd have really enjoyed our stop. Ugh. That hurts. I just wanted to say, if Explore would put money in the petty cash for that I'd LOVE to do that! Its too bad that all these great fun little extras go by the way side because it comes out of my pocket. They don't know that. I can't say it to them either. Picnicking is hard because the time doesn't quite work out and supplies are a challenge too. Otherwise yeah, sign me up!
Anyways. They were upset that I hadn't told them they could swim and there are no other lakes to swim in. I'm thinking....its not even in the itinerary that was stop here so get over it. What a bummer. I took them to my favorite meadow and they just sort of sat there. It was just really a tough day. They just didn't seem satisfied. I'm not sure how to tackle that?! I think they are doing alright but at the end of the day they are reviewing their itinerary. I finally started doing that so I'd be on track! This 2 weeker is done a bit differently and I hadn't realized until the Mariposa Incident. I've had to really help them with seat rotations also. I didn't realize it would be so difficult and they ALL suddenly have developed car sickness of some kind and no one wants to go to the back. And they want to rotate seats every half day. I'm thinking, get over it people. Its my way or the highway. Ha! That makes me laugh. They all told me at the beginning they all carry meds, take them and move to the back of the bus...
Tomorrow we do Death Valley. The A/C doesn't work very well in my van, its going to be a tough day. I'll just have to remember my happy face! I've warned them so we'll see. They are not happy about the early rising but its a 7 hour drive all together tomorrow. We go through Death Valley, past Las Vegas and then to Zion (Springdale) Phew!
We got to Lone Pine finally this evening and I took them to the Taco Truck, of course! I love that place. They all bought fruit and some ventured a taco, which I love to see them do. It was really good meat this time too! They were all really happy. And you can't beat 2.00 per taco. Then we hit the grocery store and off to the hotel we went! They were all anxious to get back and get to bed. Its okay, not much going on in Lone Pine tonight anyways!
I haven't even got a photo to upload as I've not been taking any. Feeling uninspired for sure. There is the one guy who is a photographer (again, I had one on my last tour too) he is doing alot of things like laying down in the grass or climbing out on a ledge etc so its been challenging me to try what he's doing and see what I get. Its not nearly as good as his pics are but maybe I'll learn something.
Phew. I just still don't know if this tour thing is for me and I know I always say that when I'm having a tough time but what is the deal with struggling AGAIN?? It doesn't make sense! I should be over it by now. I just need to cowboy up I guess!
I can't wait to get into Death Valley tomorrow and see what 110 degrees feels like instead of 120!
Monday, September 13, 2010
SF stands for Sucked at Frisco tour
I did it again. Its amazing. The most annoying city tour you've ever heard of happened today. I messed the whole thing up by doing it in reverse. Never do it in reverse unless you really know whats going on. I didn't know where I was, how to get from A to B and I was circling again and again. It was dreadful. I was not having any fun! We did make it to all of our stops except Fishermans Wharf. The Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival was happening so streets were closed and since I've not done the city tour from that direction I didn't realize that the street I usually drive on is a one way street so I was stuck. Dreadful!
I got up early and caught the bus to pick up my van, that all turned out fine. I found parking nearby for it. I made the horrible mistake of telling them, eat or don't and we'll get food. Good grief Karen, is this your first time or what?! Felt like it today. Half the group at a good breakfast before we met and took off, the rest, I took to the Urban Market and then we waited while they ate. Stupid mistake, I should have known better. I always feel bad making them get up and get moving early on this first day so I told them not to worry. Well, they were hungry!
Once we got all done with that it was off to undo any good work I'd done up to that point! Ha! Twin Peaks was in the fog, the city was in the sun but we couldn't see it. boohoo! The Golden Gate Bridge at least had sun. Then I got suckered into doing the detour towards the marina, there are no signs past the first two and I've never driven that way, which really sucked. I drove a long ways to get back to Fisherman's Wharf. By then I was hungry and crashing fast so I gave up and drove them to the hotel. A couple people had friends in town meeting them so I parked the van, got them sorted and then I took the willing ones and we walked the city. That was nice. We went past Union Square and into China town and then down Columbus to Fishermans Wharf. We had enough time for some photos and then we went and caught a cable car back to market street, which by the way only takes about 20 minutes. Really much faster than I thought it would be. I was supposed to meet all the group at 6:30 at the hotel to walk to dinner. Some of them opted out, which was fine and I took a new set of people to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. We sat outside, brrr! We also got a new waiter which really sucked. We were all ticked off by the end. Bummer! The food was really good otherwise I think they'd have tossed me off the eighth floor! They are a good bunch and so far, tolerant of me. I'm glad to be leaving the city. As I usually am on this day. I did manage to keep the van here overnight which makes life so much easier! Otherwise its a late night bus ride tonight and then early morning bus to the office, its alot of extra time and trouble!
So, hopefully I'll get my act together and have a good tour. I don't know what it is about juggling a bigger group? Or I've just had a week off and my head isn't in the game yet. Its really weird. I feel like I'm all over the place. Time management has been okay, its the other details. These people want answers and I just can't help them, why I can't seem to remember the numbers etc is weird. I'm a numbers person usually. I mean I remember random numbers well but things like, when was the bridge finished, I can't help you there! I also have to remember that with 12 things get slower. I can't just make random fun stops because getting that many people fed and through the toilet facilities is more time consuming. I've got some walkers in the bunch too so splitting my time between the hikers and not will be a challenge too.
I should have Yosemite in the bag, but this tour has not started off smoothly so there is no telling what will happen. I will be without internet two nights at Cedar Lodge so bear with me and I'll catch you up on the mayhem when I reach Lone Pine (my next stop after Yosemite).
I got up early and caught the bus to pick up my van, that all turned out fine. I found parking nearby for it. I made the horrible mistake of telling them, eat or don't and we'll get food. Good grief Karen, is this your first time or what?! Felt like it today. Half the group at a good breakfast before we met and took off, the rest, I took to the Urban Market and then we waited while they ate. Stupid mistake, I should have known better. I always feel bad making them get up and get moving early on this first day so I told them not to worry. Well, they were hungry!
Once we got all done with that it was off to undo any good work I'd done up to that point! Ha! Twin Peaks was in the fog, the city was in the sun but we couldn't see it. boohoo! The Golden Gate Bridge at least had sun. Then I got suckered into doing the detour towards the marina, there are no signs past the first two and I've never driven that way, which really sucked. I drove a long ways to get back to Fisherman's Wharf. By then I was hungry and crashing fast so I gave up and drove them to the hotel. A couple people had friends in town meeting them so I parked the van, got them sorted and then I took the willing ones and we walked the city. That was nice. We went past Union Square and into China town and then down Columbus to Fishermans Wharf. We had enough time for some photos and then we went and caught a cable car back to market street, which by the way only takes about 20 minutes. Really much faster than I thought it would be. I was supposed to meet all the group at 6:30 at the hotel to walk to dinner. Some of them opted out, which was fine and I took a new set of people to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. We sat outside, brrr! We also got a new waiter which really sucked. We were all ticked off by the end. Bummer! The food was really good otherwise I think they'd have tossed me off the eighth floor! They are a good bunch and so far, tolerant of me. I'm glad to be leaving the city. As I usually am on this day. I did manage to keep the van here overnight which makes life so much easier! Otherwise its a late night bus ride tonight and then early morning bus to the office, its alot of extra time and trouble!
So, hopefully I'll get my act together and have a good tour. I don't know what it is about juggling a bigger group? Or I've just had a week off and my head isn't in the game yet. Its really weird. I feel like I'm all over the place. Time management has been okay, its the other details. These people want answers and I just can't help them, why I can't seem to remember the numbers etc is weird. I'm a numbers person usually. I mean I remember random numbers well but things like, when was the bridge finished, I can't help you there! I also have to remember that with 12 things get slower. I can't just make random fun stops because getting that many people fed and through the toilet facilities is more time consuming. I've got some walkers in the bunch too so splitting my time between the hikers and not will be a challenge too.
I should have Yosemite in the bag, but this tour has not started off smoothly so there is no telling what will happen. I will be without internet two nights at Cedar Lodge so bear with me and I'll catch you up on the mayhem when I reach Lone Pine (my next stop after Yosemite).
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Explore! tour three begins, barely!
My goodness, its like its my first tour or something?! It all started out when I brought the van to the hotel to get my stuff dropped off and parking it was like CDL practice all over again.
I got myself all checked in and was given a message from one of my guests. She wanted me to call her, so when I got settled in I called her and she wanted to get together?!. Yikes! So I met her in the lobby and she just wanted to tell me her schedule for tonight and then also to discuss the city tour tomorrow. She used to live in San Francisco and decided to not do the tour with us tomorrow morning. She will meet us for dinner at least, which will be nice since she won't have spent much time with anyone else. The point I was about to make about this first encounter was that she didn't think I was funny in the least, I mean, I count on my humor (as bad as it is) to make them like me...otherwise I'm left with my looks and that usually doesn't get me far. Wink, wink!
So I had a horrible flashback to another guest I've had in the past who really didn't like a thing I said. We shall see, she seems to know what is coming though and is excited for it so you never know this early!
I've got three couples (sort of, one is a father and son) and the rest singles. Should be a good mix. They were all pretty haggard tonight. Back to them in a minute, I want to talk about me some more.
I hustled myself to the BART station to get to the airport tonight. I was literally racing the clock! I got my ticket bought (there was a line...come on!) I put my BART card in and went through the turnstile, then I ran down the stairs instead of taking the escalator and when I hit the platform (not literally as could have been the case) I realized I was one entire hour early! I didn't need to hustle up until 8:05 and it was 7:05pm. But you can't back track because you've slid your ticket through (locals, don't tell me if you can!) so there I stood waiting for the train. I didn't even pack a book to read for the hour I had to kill. I wasn't really planning to be early, ya know!
I did go in search of some food. I should never wait to eat until I get to the airport because who wants to pay 2.95 for a little yogurt. But I found a Starbucks that sold the parfaits for cheap enough and I went off to eat it. Have any of you bought one of those before? They come in a tall cup and some granola in the lid to sprinkle on it. I sat down for fear I'd open the lid and spill the granola everywhere. Instead, I sat there like a monkey in the zoo trying to get that damn lid apart to reach the yummy treat in the middle. I'm sure it must have been hilarious to watch me poke and prod it and dig at with my spoon.
Well, I finally figured it out and enjoyed my snack. Then after I'd scarfed the whole thing down I looked at myself and was wearing yogurt all over. Oh yeah, that's attractive, no wonder people getting their bags were looking at me funny! Ha!
So I got myself cleaned up, I had plenty of time after all. It even dried in time, as you can imagine!
I held up my sign at the bottom of the stairs and waited to catch my group coming down to claim their bags.
Has anyone heard me describe what that's like? You have a sign (mine's bright red) and you stand at the bottom of THE stairs, the ones everyone comes down, people are walking past you, looking you up and down, reading the sign. If you had any inclination to be shy this would be the hardest part. Because at some point your people come down the escalator and they see you usually before you guess its them and they come up and look relieved to see you. Its quite a process.
Tonight I only snagged a couple of fish. I usually catch them all but most of this bunch got by me. I found a few and went with them to baggage claim and gathered as many as I could. I was short two people and that makes me a little nervous so after a while I finally paged them and here they came right away. Thank goodness, I though my group was going to mutiny.
I walked them upstairs and outside and down the sidewalk to the express van lane and discovered the area I needed was way down the other way. You have to understand, I'm learning to try and avoid that situation so I called them and asked "where do I find you exactly?" the guy said, just go outside, no joke, at San Francisco International Airport. yeah right...so we get to the area and the guy says "the van will only hold 9" I said "we'll squeeze in, just get us a van please" so a van pulls up and 10 people fit in and I'll just catch another one, you know? Easy peasy! Then the guy comes back up to me and says, the van you chartered is coming right now, they'll have to get out of the van. I couldn't believe it "they're all in the van, the doors are closed, luggage loaded, take them to the hotel?!" but no. He made them all get out and we waited for 10 minutes for another shuttle van to show up. My goodness, why can't that ever be smooth? With a group that size, I should have just driven, it would be easier. And cheaper too. This is the third time that has been really embarrassing for me and I know Erika has arranged the whole thing to make it easy but no, its not!
Once they got out of the van and were standing on the sidewalk I said "welcome to the first adventure of the trip!" ha! They laughed (see, someone thinks I'm funny!) and I told them that was a good exercise in loading and unloading a van :) they laughed at that too. So, they are good sports at least! They'll need to be, with me leading the way! Haha!
They were all anxious to get to bed so we kept it short. I'm excited to get them all together tomorrow and have a chat with them!
I'll try to do a quick city tour this time. No epic round about tour like the last one! I hope these people like to eat! Oh! I do have one Swiss person. The boyfriend/girlfriend I have are British Swiss, that should be fun I guess. Throw a little variety in. I don't know much about Swiss people. The only ones I've met were in Chamonix France and I was really popular (the only girl in the bar...my brother was not amused to have no one to talk to) those were Swiss Guards though so they were cutting loose. This lady has been here on business for a week already. Sounds like some savvy travelers in this bunch.
What a night! I have to get up early and go get the van. Oh the parking in this city! What a pain in the butt!
I got myself all checked in and was given a message from one of my guests. She wanted me to call her, so when I got settled in I called her and she wanted to get together?!. Yikes! So I met her in the lobby and she just wanted to tell me her schedule for tonight and then also to discuss the city tour tomorrow. She used to live in San Francisco and decided to not do the tour with us tomorrow morning. She will meet us for dinner at least, which will be nice since she won't have spent much time with anyone else. The point I was about to make about this first encounter was that she didn't think I was funny in the least, I mean, I count on my humor (as bad as it is) to make them like me...otherwise I'm left with my looks and that usually doesn't get me far. Wink, wink!
So I had a horrible flashback to another guest I've had in the past who really didn't like a thing I said. We shall see, she seems to know what is coming though and is excited for it so you never know this early!
I've got three couples (sort of, one is a father and son) and the rest singles. Should be a good mix. They were all pretty haggard tonight. Back to them in a minute, I want to talk about me some more.
I hustled myself to the BART station to get to the airport tonight. I was literally racing the clock! I got my ticket bought (there was a line...come on!) I put my BART card in and went through the turnstile, then I ran down the stairs instead of taking the escalator and when I hit the platform (not literally as could have been the case) I realized I was one entire hour early! I didn't need to hustle up until 8:05 and it was 7:05pm. But you can't back track because you've slid your ticket through (locals, don't tell me if you can!) so there I stood waiting for the train. I didn't even pack a book to read for the hour I had to kill. I wasn't really planning to be early, ya know!
I did go in search of some food. I should never wait to eat until I get to the airport because who wants to pay 2.95 for a little yogurt. But I found a Starbucks that sold the parfaits for cheap enough and I went off to eat it. Have any of you bought one of those before? They come in a tall cup and some granola in the lid to sprinkle on it. I sat down for fear I'd open the lid and spill the granola everywhere. Instead, I sat there like a monkey in the zoo trying to get that damn lid apart to reach the yummy treat in the middle. I'm sure it must have been hilarious to watch me poke and prod it and dig at with my spoon.
Well, I finally figured it out and enjoyed my snack. Then after I'd scarfed the whole thing down I looked at myself and was wearing yogurt all over. Oh yeah, that's attractive, no wonder people getting their bags were looking at me funny! Ha!
So I got myself cleaned up, I had plenty of time after all. It even dried in time, as you can imagine!
I held up my sign at the bottom of the stairs and waited to catch my group coming down to claim their bags.
Has anyone heard me describe what that's like? You have a sign (mine's bright red) and you stand at the bottom of THE stairs, the ones everyone comes down, people are walking past you, looking you up and down, reading the sign. If you had any inclination to be shy this would be the hardest part. Because at some point your people come down the escalator and they see you usually before you guess its them and they come up and look relieved to see you. Its quite a process.
Tonight I only snagged a couple of fish. I usually catch them all but most of this bunch got by me. I found a few and went with them to baggage claim and gathered as many as I could. I was short two people and that makes me a little nervous so after a while I finally paged them and here they came right away. Thank goodness, I though my group was going to mutiny.
I walked them upstairs and outside and down the sidewalk to the express van lane and discovered the area I needed was way down the other way. You have to understand, I'm learning to try and avoid that situation so I called them and asked "where do I find you exactly?" the guy said, just go outside, no joke, at San Francisco International Airport. yeah right...so we get to the area and the guy says "the van will only hold 9" I said "we'll squeeze in, just get us a van please" so a van pulls up and 10 people fit in and I'll just catch another one, you know? Easy peasy! Then the guy comes back up to me and says, the van you chartered is coming right now, they'll have to get out of the van. I couldn't believe it "they're all in the van, the doors are closed, luggage loaded, take them to the hotel?!" but no. He made them all get out and we waited for 10 minutes for another shuttle van to show up. My goodness, why can't that ever be smooth? With a group that size, I should have just driven, it would be easier. And cheaper too. This is the third time that has been really embarrassing for me and I know Erika has arranged the whole thing to make it easy but no, its not!
Once they got out of the van and were standing on the sidewalk I said "welcome to the first adventure of the trip!" ha! They laughed (see, someone thinks I'm funny!) and I told them that was a good exercise in loading and unloading a van :) they laughed at that too. So, they are good sports at least! They'll need to be, with me leading the way! Haha!
They were all anxious to get to bed so we kept it short. I'm excited to get them all together tomorrow and have a chat with them!
I'll try to do a quick city tour this time. No epic round about tour like the last one! I hope these people like to eat! Oh! I do have one Swiss person. The boyfriend/girlfriend I have are British Swiss, that should be fun I guess. Throw a little variety in. I don't know much about Swiss people. The only ones I've met were in Chamonix France and I was really popular (the only girl in the bar...my brother was not amused to have no one to talk to) those were Swiss Guards though so they were cutting loose. This lady has been here on business for a week already. Sounds like some savvy travelers in this bunch.
What a night! I have to get up early and go get the van. Oh the parking in this city! What a pain in the butt!
Friday, September 10, 2010
More fun in San Francisco
I had a really nice day today. Alot of sunshine and walking and of course a bit more food. I went to the post office to mail a few souvenirs home and on the way toward Market St on the train I sat down next to this really sweet old lady. She was struggling to put her bracelet on by herself and so I offered to help and she said "oh, its better to do it for yourself, you'll never get anywhere if you always have help" she said that being old has an advantage though since she always gets a seat on the train. She said "buy yourself a wig, you'll be amazed what it can get you" it was fantastic! What a great woman she was. Little did she know I already own wigs!
I headed up towards Jan's place in Cow Hollow and ended up on Union Street. Jan and I had a nice lunch and caught up on funny tour guide stories. It was really nice. She has had to do camping trips and they are alot more work, so she got a laugh when I'd talk about the trouble of staying at hotels.
We found an outside table at Perry's and I ordered the Blue Plate Special which was Prime Rib Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes. It was really really good. The meat was perfectly done and it melted in your mouth. The whole thing was just delicious.
I rode the bus down Fillmore and got off at Lower Haight thinking I'd have some 3 Twins ice cream but then it hit me! I hadn't gotten Guven's shirt bought yet! So off I went to find that same store...I walked up the street thinking I'd get to the bus stop in time but I missed it by a block, of course! I went into the costume shop on Haight and was not nearly impressed like I am with Boise's Costume Shop. That place is still my favorite. I know people in this city are master costumers though so I won't discredit them at all! I'm staying with a group of people who wear costumes to perform so I'm sure there is more good stuff out there. Anyways. I caught the bus and went up to the thrift store and found a shirt I think he'll like so its off to the post office once more to get that headed to England.
On my way back down towards the K Line I stopped in at 3 Twins for a scoop of delicious homemade ice cream. I chose the Lemon Ginger Cookie ice cream. It was good. Not sorbet like at all, it was ice cream flavored with lemon and then big cookie chunks mixed in, wow, out of this world good!! For once I was busy eating and didn't snap its photo. How sad. But how good! Thats it in the photo, the bright green store front.
So I got my ice cream fix finally. I still haven't had success eating at Birite. I must get that done today or tomorrow!
I had a leisurly train ride home and all the roommates were here so we had a good time getting food eaten and making a plan for the trip to Smugglers Cove. What a place! Unless you know the address you would never find it. The number is above the door and thats the only indication. It wasn't until we walked up to the door and a man (who looked like he was just standing outside on his phone) comes up and cards us and then opens the door. Ooh and what a shock! You walk right into a fantastic little bar that resembles (loosely) a ships hold. I pretended it did. We went down stairs which stands next to a wall of water, it was pretty neat the water sort of runs down the wall to the lower floor and fills a pool.
We were handed drink menus the size of a regular restaurant and proceeded to read our way through the rums. Oh the rums! Leigh decided he was going to get a flight of rum. Called the Bounty. It had 4 types of rum in it Rhum JM, Mount Gay 1703, Appleton Estate 21 Year, Ron Zacapa XO.
I had a rum and coke, which is sacrilege by the way. I had a Brugal (which I LOVE) but it was called Extra Viejo no Anejo which I usually have.
Barbara had a Bombo which was really good. Rum with demerara sugar and freshly grated nutmeg on the top
After we managed all that Colleen showed up and joined me in having a mojito. It was really good! She hadn't eaten though so we finished those and then headed to Frjtz for some Belgian fries and dips. They are famous for the choices of dips we had 5 between us. Moroccan Lemon Saffron Aioli, Pesto Mayo, Bacon Mayo, White Truffle Artichoke Ketchup and Smokey Honey Mustard. I of course went white trash on them and got regular ketchup too. But the Moroccan one wow!! We put lids on them and then headed home. It was great fun! Leigh and Barbara sip rum and recognize the tastes etc. I've honestly never done that so it was a learning experience for me. I'm so glad they wanted to go along! I came home and mentioned that the Chow girls had listed it as worthy of a stop and Leigh had already heard all about it and was excited to go! These guys are great, Colleen had parked closer to the bar then we had so Leigh (our DD) drove us to Frjtz, she said "this car is from the future, or Sweden" when Leigh couldn't find the place for the key, it was really funny!
Poor Joe had a hurt wing so he stayed home. When we got home he'd warmed up the oven and we put in an apple crumble. It was too hot to eat and we were all tired so we stashed out of kitty's reach and went to bed.
That was Thursday. What a nice day. The weather has been amazing here as well which makes the exploring all the more fun!
This is Friday evening now and I'm just catching up. Barbara is about to "bounce" to an aerobics video and i went and got bread to have with my sausage and cheese. Oh to have a salad soon!
I went with Joe to the office and dropped off my stuff and got my papers on the next tour. I have 12, a good mix of people all singles it seems like. This tour could be interesting because though I've been to a place I'll be doing it on a different timeline and we all know how I suck at timelines. Yikes! That will be blog worthy I'm sure, not to mention I have three dietary restrictions in the group. But more on that when it happens.
I rode the train to West Portal Station and then found the bus that would take me to Portola Road and Tower Molly Stones. I really enjoyed that store. All sorts of things I can't find in Idaho and it was great fun!
Then it was off to the post office to mail Guven's Hawaiian shirt and then home for a nap. What a great week I've had. Very lazy, but things I've needed to get done are all within reach and that puts me at ease. This area is great, not so much work to find a good market or a Walgreens or a post office!
Tonight I'll try the sausages and see how I did on choosing some.
I headed up towards Jan's place in Cow Hollow and ended up on Union Street. Jan and I had a nice lunch and caught up on funny tour guide stories. It was really nice. She has had to do camping trips and they are alot more work, so she got a laugh when I'd talk about the trouble of staying at hotels.
We found an outside table at Perry's and I ordered the Blue Plate Special which was Prime Rib Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes. It was really really good. The meat was perfectly done and it melted in your mouth. The whole thing was just delicious.
I rode the bus down Fillmore and got off at Lower Haight thinking I'd have some 3 Twins ice cream but then it hit me! I hadn't gotten Guven's shirt bought yet! So off I went to find that same store...I walked up the street thinking I'd get to the bus stop in time but I missed it by a block, of course! I went into the costume shop on Haight and was not nearly impressed like I am with Boise's Costume Shop. That place is still my favorite. I know people in this city are master costumers though so I won't discredit them at all! I'm staying with a group of people who wear costumes to perform so I'm sure there is more good stuff out there. Anyways. I caught the bus and went up to the thrift store and found a shirt I think he'll like so its off to the post office once more to get that headed to England.
So I got my ice cream fix finally. I still haven't had success eating at Birite. I must get that done today or tomorrow!
We were handed drink menus the size of a regular restaurant and proceeded to read our way through the rums. Oh the rums! Leigh decided he was going to get a flight of rum. Called the Bounty. It had 4 types of rum in it Rhum JM, Mount Gay 1703, Appleton Estate 21 Year, Ron Zacapa XO.
Barbara had a Bombo which was really good. Rum with demerara sugar and freshly grated nutmeg on the top
After we managed all that Colleen showed up and joined me in having a mojito. It was really good! She hadn't eaten though so we finished those and then headed to Frjtz for some Belgian fries and dips. They are famous for the choices of dips we had 5 between us. Moroccan Lemon Saffron Aioli, Pesto Mayo, Bacon Mayo, White Truffle Artichoke Ketchup and Smokey Honey Mustard. I of course went white trash on them and got regular ketchup too. But the Moroccan one wow!! We put lids on them and then headed home. It was great fun! Leigh and Barbara sip rum and recognize the tastes etc. I've honestly never done that so it was a learning experience for me. I'm so glad they wanted to go along! I came home and mentioned that the Chow girls had listed it as worthy of a stop and Leigh had already heard all about it and was excited to go! These guys are great, Colleen had parked closer to the bar then we had so Leigh (our DD) drove us to Frjtz, she said "this car is from the future, or Sweden" when Leigh couldn't find the place for the key, it was really funny!
Poor Joe had a hurt wing so he stayed home. When we got home he'd warmed up the oven and we put in an apple crumble. It was too hot to eat and we were all tired so we stashed out of kitty's reach and went to bed.
That was Thursday. What a nice day. The weather has been amazing here as well which makes the exploring all the more fun!
This is Friday evening now and I'm just catching up. Barbara is about to "bounce" to an aerobics video and i went and got bread to have with my sausage and cheese. Oh to have a salad soon!
I went with Joe to the office and dropped off my stuff and got my papers on the next tour. I have 12, a good mix of people all singles it seems like. This tour could be interesting because though I've been to a place I'll be doing it on a different timeline and we all know how I suck at timelines. Yikes! That will be blog worthy I'm sure, not to mention I have three dietary restrictions in the group. But more on that when it happens.
I rode the train to West Portal Station and then found the bus that would take me to Portola Road and Tower Molly Stones. I really enjoyed that store. All sorts of things I can't find in Idaho and it was great fun!
Then it was off to the post office to mail Guven's Hawaiian shirt and then home for a nap. What a great week I've had. Very lazy, but things I've needed to get done are all within reach and that puts me at ease. This area is great, not so much work to find a good market or a Walgreens or a post office!
Tonight I'll try the sausages and see how I did on choosing some.
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| Smugglers Cove...shhh don't tell! |
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Foodie Walkabout San Francisco
I figured I'd get up and get moving and have a good cup of coffee somewhere. Someone mentioned Philz Coffee on 18th, perfect! I was headed to Tartine Bakery for a snack to go anyways, it was right on the way.
I got to Philz and they have a huge list of coffee's named so you find a name you like then find its description and then order the coffee. The guy behind the counter knew I was new and he helped me pick one out (a.k.a. picked one for me) it was a Medium Roast called Tesora. The coffee was so good you hated to keep drinking it because then it would be gone, the logical progression I realize but it was so so good. Wow.
When I arrived at Tartines I discovered that the person in charge of the timer fell asleep and all the good croissants were burnt. I mean the whole case looked pretty dark. So i ordered the lightest looking thing and off I went. I got a croissant stuffed with cheese. I can't recall its name, I'll share it with my roommates.
While I was working on my pancakes I told the gal what i was up to (eating my way across town) and so she hollers at another waitress and says "this girl is on a Foodie Walkabout" so they began to name off their favorites and recommendations. They critiqued the list I had (basically loved it!) and added to it also.
I got my notepad out and wrote it all down. What a great city this is! Everyone I talked to loved to do that.
After pancakes, which were NOT plate sized and only 2 in number, I walked out feeling not too full. Which was a good thing as my next stop was Moishe's Pippic in Hayes Valley. I'd heard stories about the size of teh sandwich you get and also stories about the meat so I of course was planning to order the "State and Lake" which had both hot pastrami and hot corned beef. I'll come back to that in a minute.
Once I reached Hayes Valley I went to the bakery that the waitress had mentioned. It was famous for its New York Bagels so I bought one to go. No sense filling up on bread before my sandwich. As I was walking back towards Moishe's I passed by an Artisan Chocolate store (which was not quite open) so I was able to keep walking.
I got to Moishe's and the man behind the counter was so nice! He was amazed I knew what I wanted already. He said "pickle?" I said "yes!" he said "brown mustard?" I said "why not" he said he'd bring it to me and I'd pay him later, so off I went to find a table.
Then the sandwich arrived. It was fantastic. The meat was so delicious. It was not chewy or spicy or anything, it was just right and alot of it. He could tell by the look on my face when it arrived that it was my first time and he thought I was really brave to order a 2 meat sandwich. He said I'd have lunch tomorrow! No joke!
I savored every bite of the half I ate. Then he wrapped it to go and I had a nice chat with the owner who was really pleased he'd come highly recommended. I told him, not only did my roommates like that place but people I mentioned it to along the way were also excited for me as well. He was really happy to hear it.
Lets see...all the food starts to run together here. I had a few planned stops left and then some additions from the Chow ladies but first I headed back to the artisan chocolate place. Um, they are so pretty it will be kinda hard to eat them. I also had to ask for a "guide" to the chocolate as there is no indication of what they are. I just made sure they weren't lonely, I can't wait to try them!! I got Lemon (white chocolate ganache etc), Vietnamese Cinnamon (chocolate and spicy cinnamon), Lemongrass, Venezuelan Spice (dark chocolate and spice) the place is called Christopher Elbow. I had to go find the name.
After the visit to the chocolate place I walked back through Hayes Valley and found Miette's which was also recommended by the Chow ladies. Its a sweet shop full of all sorts of really cool things! Zotz! I love those things!
They also had the fanciest display of Owyhee Candy there too. That is made in Boise Idaho. I haven't had a bad thing from them but this display was pretty funny, if they only knew their humble beginnings.
At this point I'm armed with a tiny bag with a Gougier in it (that was from Tartine) and a tiny bag with a bagel in it and a tiny bag with a half a sandwich in it and a good sized bag of the fancy chocolate ( he didn't want it to melt by being too close to my hand ) then a big bag for all my little candies. So I'm walking down the street loaded up with goodies and I wander by the True Sake store. Its full of sake. A sea of sake. The staff in there were really nice and very helpful about all the types of drink. I told her what I liked and didn't like (based on what I drink otherwise they can narrow it down) she pointed me in the right direction. I also bought baby bottles so i could share some with my roommates and not have too much. Silent Snow and one other called Sake Specialist.
I'm now really loaded up and none of the bags will fit in any of the other bags and I still have meat and cheese stops to make. My goodness, whats a girl to do?
I walked up into lower Haight and found the sausage place and bought a few links to take home and share. I bought Beer, Chicken Tequila, Knockworst, and wild boar flavored. Then it was onto the cheese. Which took some doing because I was in the right neighborhood but not seeing it. So, circling the cheese. Like a hungry vulture...sounds about right actually. (also have I mentioned I haven't eaten any ice cream all day!) so I find an amazing tall bearded man who loves cheese and he let me sample some and found me just the right wedge and i was off. But not before buying a reusable tote bag for a buck. Phew! Everything fit nicely into it and I was home free! (Cheese names Bra Duro and Trugole-asiago, they hit the back of your mouth like a sharp cheddar, so good!)
Now to enjoy it with my roommates. I can't wait for all of them to get home. And they've got a guest coming tonight too so it will be a full house of fun for sure. I've taken too many photos to put on here as you can imagine so I'll put some on facebook too. These are the highlights for sure. This city is delicious I must say!
I did not get ice cream though!! After all the roommates came home we had Thai for dinner and Joe heated up the sake and we all got to sample them! It was really fun. They were really good!! Then after dinner clean up I got out all the chocolates and they got out knives and we all had samples of the sweets. It was fantastic. All sorts of reactions and top choices for each of us.
Tomorrow we are all headed to Smugglers Cove (the rum bar). Should be really good fun.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Back to San Francisco
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| hard to believe that is almost exactly the miles I drive on a 3 week tour |
That is me in the helicopter over Grand Canyon. Yikes! Turns out I don't like having a 5000 foot drop below me and just two little blades above me. Who knew. The best part is they give you a flotation device. Um yeah, that will help...the Colorado River is down there somewhere! I told the pilot to be sure and land in it when we went down. Ugh.
So I've been back in town for a few days now. I've gotten all repacked and sorted out and now to mail some things home and then get this last trip done. I'm pretty much on the fence about the whole thing. Its hard to want to job hunt when I'm not jumping for joy to keep doing it. The thought of getting a job doing a new tour to a new place and having to fake it is not appealing to me at all! How stressful!
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| thats me and Shrek in LA So instead of thinking about it I went for a walk around the sunny city yesterday and had a great time window shopping. I went on the bus all the way to the top of Haight St and then walked back via every thrift shop on the street. Or so it seemed. There are some fantastic shops there! I didn't buy anything but still. Most cute vintage stuff doesn't fit me and the rest is too expensive so I kept moving. |
I did find a BBQ place I need to try and I found Chow again. I had intended to go there and have a pancake but Brunch ends at 2pm and I got there at 2:35pm. Bummer! So I ordered a lasagna instead and that was really really good!
I was on a mission to find BiRite Ice Cream and when i asked the waitress she told me which direction walk and then she said, "at the line" I didn't know what that meant until I got to the corner she talked about and the line for ice cream was around the block. No joke, the longest line for ice cream. It will be like that one day when people discover Mr and Mrs Miscellaneous. Of course I won't be living here anyways. Either way it would be worth the wait!
I'm sitting here at the house of Joe and thinking that the sounds outside remind me of Valencia. Its really amazing. Even the street I'm on reminds me of that place. The shops and the people, its really strange. The only thing that is missing is the Spanish pastries and Noemi and her friends. (so that means, me in Europe~yippee)
I've been ticket hunting in between doing nothing and there aren't many sales on tickets to anywhere right now. Very discouraging. Though I'll need full time work and money in the bank before I do anything drastic.
So to review my last trip, since I was less than a blogger.... Arches National Park was so hot the day we were there. We came back early and went and had an Apple Dumpling dessert at Moab Brewery. The Monument Valley day we stopped into the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding and that was really cool. We enjoyed Monument Valley alot. The drive to it turned out to be a rainy one but then it cleared up in time for the dinner. Pretty cool. We had John again as our guide. He seemed different this time but I'm not sure what that was all about.
Grand Canyon found us heading to the clinic with one of my people. That was interesting. Nothing too serious at least. We got up the next day and had our Helicopter flights. I went with the single guy and the family had their own heli. Turns out that fear of heights and car sickness translates just fine to Helicopters and they were happy to see the airport at the end.
We drove the entire length of Route 66 this time. We drove through Seligman and then on through Peach Springs and Kingman before I made the decision to see Oatman. Skip that place, what a scary scary place. i would not have been surprised to see two banjo players pickin on the porch here.
In Seligman the single guy got had by the owner so many times. One after the other. He just kept laughing so the guy just kept at it, it was really funny.
The drive to Joshua Tree yielded the usual end of trip come down so we did a bit of the park and then made our way to LA. Without the trailer we really had it made, I took them to Hollywood and Highland and we walked and shopped and then had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. The family's choice not mine. But good food!
The family went to Universal and I took the single guy to the zoo. As he is an animal lover. He really enjoyed himself I think. I followed him around and it was good fun.
We had our final dinner at "The Grill" which is at Hollywood and Highland. It was just easier to stay put and we ate like kings and queens. Wow, the prices. But oh the portions! It was a good night, we laughed alot. What a great group they were.
The next day we had to say goodbye to the single guy early so we all went with him to the airport and said our goodbyes and then I took the rest of them to Santa Monica. Brrr! The fog was thick and it was really windy too. But they shopped on the 3rd Street Promenade and so it was okay.
I had a fantastic drive up the coast. Santa Barbara is the most amazing place. What a beautiful city! And the sun was setting so it was all lit up. So cool. I'm glad I got off the freeway and headed into downtown for a bit of a look!
So that gets me home. Now to find the food joints on my list and job hunt. Ugh, what to do?! I have to make my way to work and get the van washed and get some stuffed moved there as well. I will be flying home after I get back.
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