Since I'm sure none of "my readers" have worked at many resorts, I figured I'd tell a little about what it's like.
I've come to the conclusion that Resort Life would be an interesting write for an Anthropologist. There are a few groups of people that you'll find in a typical tourist resort/hotel. The first is the international group. They come from all over the world working with their J2 visas, and feel a little upset because in their countries they are professionals, but here they do housekeeping. I think I already wrote about that issue... Then there's the "forever seasonals." People who work in one place for the summer, then go somewhere else for the winter (or they go to and from the same places), over and over until they get too old to work. One fascinating person in this category is "the Dog." He's probably about 65, and has worked/hiked every spot possible in the US. I said that I'm from Cedar, and he knew all about Zion because he had worked there when there was a great pool, and the rail road going through the park. He walks around Sylvan Lake every day, and is simply fascinating. There's also the college group who come for the summer to make money and maybe party a bit in between semesters at school. There are also the professionals, like the chef whose wife kicked him out of retirement and told him to go back to work (tongue in cheek of course). Next comes those who grew up in the area, and happen to work in a lodge. They are the ones you want to talk to for out of the way, but quality places to visit. There are also some people in between the groups, which is probably where I am. Oh yes, and there's also the Christian Ministry kids, who volunteer for a summer and hold religious classes/Sunday meetings. I kind of miss the drums/steel guitar from Yosemite.
One interesting thing of resort living, is that you live and work with the same people. There is a lot of gossip going around, and it's easy to get caught up in drama that has nothing really to do with work. I'm realizing how much I need to work on charity, and loving others. Misunderstandings can be monumental here! I'm hoping that my coworkers don't think I'm a huge snob because I don't participate in their parties. It's hard to draw the line there and know what I should do.
In some ways it's hard, because I'm out in the woods with only the lodge near by, and sometimes I feel a little shut in. There are days when issues come up at work, things don't go right, and I get home and there's some issue there as well. This is of course normal for everyone, but it's hard to leave it at work when you have to go back to eat the employee meal at your workplace :) In other ways it's great, because I am meeting people and talking about my beliefs a little bit, and it's always fun to do little things for guests that make a difference in their stay. Then there's the Wal-Mart runs, and sight seeing tours that we get to go on with our employee passes :D It is of course a beautiful area, though the weather hasn't exactly been cooperating enough for me to hike! Harney Peak here I come... as soon as there is a little sun.
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