Posted on January 25, 2019
August 18, 2018 – Sausalito, California
“Nelson! Come outside, quick!”
Someone exclaims from the hallway. My supervisor heads outside as I continue making drinks and monitoring the bar. I wonder what happened?
I quickly find out that three cars were broken into right outside of our restaurant. BOLD. Wait, was mine one of them? I go outside and check, relieved to see that my car was not targeted. A close cluster was hit instead, one of which belongs to my supervisor. Mine is parked away from the majority, and is also completely empty from transporting my cousins. A rare thing – usually there are plenty of goodies to steal in there. Thankfully, most of my excess belongings are in my aunt and uncle’s garage right now…
This event furthers my negative feelings toward the people of the bay, being the third robbery I’ve witnessed during my time here. These feelings are balanced out by the relationships I’ve developed here, however, most notably a few people in the front-of-house that have expressed genuine interest in my project (Tony, Gary, and Chris). Not that that’s a requirement. Tony appears a career bartender; ironically, he is by far the most kind and respectful bartender I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Gary appears a career server; ironically, we have conversations about the Buddhist aspects of my lifestyle and his as well. Then there’s Chris, “The Artist.” A younger bartender that clearly takes pride in his craft, loves to joke around, and attends med school.
Rare breeds, all.
Though I’ll have mixed feelings when I leave this place and these people (especially my family here), leave I must. I’ve successfully lined up my next two destinations: Working at a vineyard in Northern California for the fall (WWOOF), then spending the winter serving tables at Kirkwood Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe.
“I wish we could sometimes love the characters in real life as we love the characters in romances. There are a great many human souls whom we should accept more kindly, and even appreciate more clearly, if we simply thought of them as people in a story.” – G. K. Chesterton
I really wish I had more time together to get to know you more Nicholas when you were here. Finding your readings and postings soothing and refreshing in this very selfish world. You have garnered a true fan here. Hope all is going well in Tahoe for you. My very best to you in 2019 and beyond!!