While it sometimes seems to me that most of my deployments are in the North Pacific in winter, every once in a while, I catch a break. In the spring of 2008, I was lucky to be tasked to give some training on one of our products in the Dominican Republic.
When I was checking on airfares with the major carrier, the airfare alone was over $1800. A hotel would be on top of that. It was suggested that I check with one of the charter companies, and I found that I could get 1 week all inclusive (with air) for less that $1000. Hmm, I’d be saving the company $$$ if I stayed for the week, right? Moe was quick to point out that if I took her, we could save even more. She’s the English Major, not the math whiz, but she got her wish anyway.
When we were at checkin in Vancouver, a colleague was there with her daughter…a last minute getaway after UVic classes were over. It worked out great for Moe as the three of them would take turns “watching the stuff” while the others went for a swim or whatever.
My office for the week
I would march off in the morning through the lobby of the resort in my Nomex coveralls and workboots and Moe would plan her day at the beach.
I had to unlearn how to drive
It was my first time driving in a country like this and I was in for a surprise. I had to forget almost everything that I’d learned in Watson’s Driving School 30 years before. It seemed that the idea was to drive like hell and not look back. I did…once.
The resort that we stayed at was small and this meant that we could eat at any of the five (small) restaurants without needing a reservation. This worked great for us as I was never really sure how long I was going to work each day. Most days, I’d get back at 6, freshen up, have a shot of the local rum (supplied in the room) and hit up whichever restaurant suited our tastes. Our favourite was the Fondue Restaurant.
Mmmm Fondue
It was one of the most relaxing weeks that I’ve had at work and I hope that Moe and I can get back there one day.
The end of a hard day
Sounds like you have the best job in the world, Mark 🙂
I was in the DR once, for a windsurfing holiday – that was back a few years when I was more limber and less sensible… nice place, would be good to visit again. Even without stepping onto a board – though I’d be tempted to see if you never forget how (sort of like falling off a bicycle).
@Rob – You’re right. I do have the best job in the world. I didn’t see any windsurfing where we were. I guess that was somewhere else on the island. Def on the list of places to go back to…if only I could find someone to go with.
isn’t there some kind of anniversary coming up? of special birthday? or do we really need an excuse besides getting away from the weather….
xxoo I loved it there too…