March 11, 2008
I HAVE A JOB IN THE JUNGLE!!!
Before I returned to Kansas in mid November for a 10-week stay, I inquired at a local hotel if they might ever need some help. Kate, the manager of The Lookout Hotel, excitedly told me she could indeed use some help. The hotel was booked solid through July and they had a few "large events" at the first of the year. I asked if she would consider ME as an employee and she more or less said, "Consider yourself hired!" Well ... OKAY!!
While in Kansas, I was thrilled the whole time knowing I would be soon working again. I had been employed full-time since right out of high school and missed the work, co-workers, pay check, getting dressed in work clothes, and more.
Upon returning to Costa Rica I contacted Kate and she shared how a large party was coming in from Aspen for a WEDDING (on the beach) and she could sure use my help. The week-long job was fantastic in so many ways! Working alongside ticos (a chance to practice my Spanish) and becoming better acquainted with Kate, her man-mate (adult term for "boyfriend" that I now use) John, and various family members of theirs that work there, was beyond my dreams.
I have never been a waitress or bartender, other than in my own home, but knew that I would enjoy it. Kate put me to work with various tasks from setting tables, cleaning, flower arranging, decorations, and more. I soon advanced to taking orders, serving up platters of wonder meals, busing tables and even washing dishes. I loved every minute of it!
Keeping busy. Doing something I enjoy. Being appreciated for those things. THIS is what has been lacking in my jungle life! The missing piece to the puzzle was found.
A chance to get out of the house, be around others, meet new folks, being busy and being needed/appreciated. Regardless of the pay, which is pocket money for me compared to my earnings in the States, but RICHES for the ticos, the job has filled a void.
Kate has assured me that in times of need, either when the hotel is extra busy or a regular employee can't come in, I'll be the one she calls.
The other day, when I was working the breakfast shift, she fired her cook and dishwasher! Yeah! More for ME to do!
This week there is a group from San Francisco that comes annually to Costa Rica: Urban Diversion. They are a small but very FUN group to be around.
I have always enjoyed being around folks when they have their first of so many wonderful Costa Rica experiences. It is like reliving them myself and each time it reminds me of what a beautiful and special place I really am fortunate to live in!
Having this occasional employment will give me lots of blog material and I'm anxious to share those with you soon!
For now, it's my day off and I'm going to CHILL!
Comments
dsoden (anonymous) says...
Hey girl! So glad that you are having so much fun. I knew that you would enjoy working at a hotel. Too bad we weren't busy enough for you to start back here in the states but heck, you didn't have much free time anyway.
March 12, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rvonknorring (Ronna vonKnorring) says...
It is SO much fun!! It is nice to get the experiences in the field as well as practice my Spanish some!! Hope all is well with you. So glad I got to see you when I was in KS!!!
March 12, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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