my first time

... as a guide

On Tuesday, I assumed my new job as a guide for cruise ship tourists.
I had been nervous for the last fortnight, had slept badly, falling asleep with thoughts of how to say things, dreaming of tours I took with faceless tourists, and always afraid I would do something wrong.
By Monday evening I was a nervous wreck.
Edgy, moody and bad-tempered - and poor Robert had to put up with it.
Tuesday morning however, I had to face it. And it went really well =)
As clouds and occasional rain are a bit daunting to cruise ship tourists, I only had to manage a group of 20 plus middle-aged people who were well aware of the weather conditions, and well prepared for it.
I followed the route, told them what I had planned to say, occasionally saying more in order to temporize (we had taken-off a good 10 minutes early and I had to "deliver" them at a certain place at a fixed time, so I had to keep them entertained), and generally had a great time. "My group" was good-humoured, interested and very nice. They enjoyed the tour, and so did I.
And I was really taken aback when I bid them farewell at the ship and was not only tipped but also hugged by some of the guests!
It was a great day. Hopefully, my next tour will be just as enjoyable.
Wish me luck next Monday!


(P.S.: And for all of you who wondered, what my final decision was, last Sunday (sleep & cuddle with Robert, or stay awake and do some work) - I got into bed and cuddled. Truth be told, it was not so tough a choice ;)

"from all of us here, we wish you a happy painting, and God bless you, my friend"