Crazy Americans!
Trip Start
Apr 21, 2007
1
28
81
Trip End
Sep 27, 2008
Pitlochry,
United Kingdom
Monday, June 18, 2007
Last Thursday five middle-aged American women came into the Strathgarry restaurant for lunch. I was the only one working at the time as the other worker was on her lunch break. The ladies were very nice, very amusing and very nice to talk to. As they were paying for their lunch they began to ask me more personal questions. For example, how old am I and am I single. I was a little uncomfortable with their questions so I just had to ask them why they wanted to know such personal information. Of course they all started to get so excited and begin to tell me all about their good-looking, single male tour guide who was exactly my age and who was too shy to meet nice girls like me. For these ladies who I spoke to for 45 minutes I immediately blushed and was not able to speak because I was so shocked. They asked me how long I would be in the restaurant for because they were going to find their tour guide, Terry, and bring him in to introduce us! Now I have been on blind dates before and such but this was a first experience for me! I was thinking they were joking for a minute until they left in a hurry saying they would be right back. As other customers were looking at me in shock themselves and telling me they felt sorry for me I tried to keep a stright-face. I cleaned up the tables and as ten mintues went by I thought 'Whew! All clear!. They won't be back before I go on my break in five minutes!'. Needless to say I jinxed myself and as my coworker walked in I noticed that the five American ladies were scurrying past the front windows dragging a gentleman with them! They introduced us and as we both shook hands while shaking our heads in disbelief the ladies began telling us that we should exchange numbers and such. I said it was a pleasure to meet him and any time he passes through Pitlochry he should stop by for a meal.
I was in such shock and embarrasment I ran out of the restaurant quicker than all of my coworkers could laugh and make fun of me! Of course I had to take it after I got back my break but it was better than directly after. I have only been here four weeks so I can only imagine what else will happen over the next three!
On a better story people can tip here very well. All you have to do is be polite and talk to them for a couple of minutes. I spoke to fellow Canadians who were from Edmonton on the same day as the attempted matchmaker story. They were very nice and as they were leaving I wished them happy travels. About ten minutes later as I was making lattes the same Canadian walked in and handed me a tenner wishing me happy travels and to go and buy myself a scottish beer! The American ladies also left me ten pounds in tips. All you have to do is be a foreigner yourself and tlak to people and you get tips! The pub is a bit of a different story. I have now learned to get tips while serving alcohol behind the bar. Numerous gentlemen offered to buy me a drink this past Saturday at work but I kept saying 'Thank you but I am not able to drink at work'. Being the idiot tourist that is how people tip here! All I was supposed to say is thank-you and explain that I am not able to drink at the moment but will have the drink after work. Dumbass I am I could have made heaps in tips this pst weekend! There were two stag parties and a group of male golfers on a golf trip. You learn something new every day, right?! At least I know for next time.
Other than that things here have been good. Today is a much needed day of after working 14 hour days on Friday and Saturday plus 9 hours on Sunday. Of course today is another rainy day. My flatmate Scott and I will be going to the gym soon to play some badminton. We were so bored this morning that for our entertainment we had a game on who could throw the most stale popcorn into the other's mouth. Glad to have a day off with someone as the game wouldn't have been quite as amusing on my own!
Take care everyone and I am excited to hear some family members beginning are planning to come and visit me while over here! Some were a little hesitant themselves when I left but I knew everyone would try to make it here to see me and this amazing country. I can't believe it's already been two months in a couple of days since I came over. Time flies when you're having fun!
Cheers!
Comments
MatchMakers
Wow! I totally get how you were feeling in that matchmaking situation- like a sitting duck!
It's the most embarrassing thing getting matched up by someone particularly in front of a lot of people and no way out! And when people say stuff like 'such a nice gal, why aren't you married yet?' Those really are weird situations, you did a good job writing about it.