Is it bad when business travel starts feeling like vacation? My first week at Oubaai golf resort has been so relaxing and laid-back that I barely noticed the work. I wake up every morning and watch the sun rise from my window as I got ready for the gym. The colors in the sky are slightly different each day, but always absolutely stunning. I could literally spend hours, just sitting on the balcony and staring out at the sun rise over the mountains and the golf course.
Throughout the night, they played clips of an old British comedy about a hotel (which was hilarious, as can be expected from all British comedies). The DJ was also good and he even introduced me to some Afrikaans music.
One of my favorite conversations of the night was when the IT Manager asked: "Chris, what are your favorite jams?"
My response: "Well, in South Africa, my favorite jam is definitely gooseberry" <<cue laughter from everyone within earshot>>
"Oh, I meant what are your favorite MUSICAL jams?"
Oops... :)
I must admit that the wide range of "formalwear" at the party was pretty hilarious. Thinking back on my trip to the mall last week, I shouldn't have been all that surprised. Oh, and the best part of the night was watching all the staff break it down on the dance floor. In case you're wondering, black people are also better dancers in South Africa.
After a thoroughly good time at the party, I took a few pictures around the hotel before heading back to my room for the night. As one of the only people in the resort, I almost felt like I owned the place!
If the hotel ever needs a spokesperson, I would gladly rave about it anytime. I just wish it wasn't located 8,000 miles away from Boston because everyone should come here for vacation (or work)!
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| Here's the sunrise from my window |
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| Here's another beautiful sunrise... |
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| And another... (ok, I'll stop now) |
After easing into my day, I spend my obligatory time at the gym to work off some of the amazing food from the night before. The signature restaurant at this hotel is totally my style: Fresh seafood and unique cuts of meat, all grilled in an open kitchen while I enjoy my warm bread and olive oil. I literally don't have enough days in the trip to try all the things on the menu that look appealing (this is a very unusual problem for me).
Speaking of good food, the breakfast each morning is also fantastic. Any resolutions to start the day with a healthy meal quickly end when I smell the fresh baked breads, muffins, and mini quiches. Seriously, how can anyone resist such temptations? I'm practically the only person in the resort, so I almost feel obligated to put at least a small dent in the lavish breakfast buffet.
Everyone is super friendly and my contact even gave me a private office, which just adds to the relaxed atmosphere. (Normally, one of my pet peeves is when people try to peek at my computer screen every time they pass my chair, so having a private office helps to eliminate that annoyance).
On Friday night, I was invited to a formal dinner that was being hosted for the staff. Normally I would feel awkward accepting an invitation like this, but everyone has been so friendly that it didn't seem strange at all. As soon as I entered the room, I was blown away by the decor. They really went all out on making this party special and I was lucky to be in town for it.
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| Grilled ostrich may not look appealing, but it tastes amazing! |
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| They call it "layers of white chocolate". I call it "layers of heaven". |
Speaking of good food, the breakfast each morning is also fantastic. Any resolutions to start the day with a healthy meal quickly end when I smell the fresh baked breads, muffins, and mini quiches. Seriously, how can anyone resist such temptations? I'm practically the only person in the resort, so I almost feel obligated to put at least a small dent in the lavish breakfast buffet.
Everyone is super friendly and my contact even gave me a private office, which just adds to the relaxed atmosphere. (Normally, one of my pet peeves is when people try to peek at my computer screen every time they pass my chair, so having a private office helps to eliminate that annoyance).
On Friday night, I was invited to a formal dinner that was being hosted for the staff. Normally I would feel awkward accepting an invitation like this, but everyone has been so friendly that it didn't seem strange at all. As soon as I entered the room, I was blown away by the decor. They really went all out on making this party special and I was lucky to be in town for it.
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| Here's what the room looked like at the start of the night |
Throughout the night, they played clips of an old British comedy about a hotel (which was hilarious, as can be expected from all British comedies). The DJ was also good and he even introduced me to some Afrikaans music.
One of my favorite conversations of the night was when the IT Manager asked: "Chris, what are your favorite jams?"
My response: "Well, in South Africa, my favorite jam is definitely gooseberry" <<cue laughter from everyone within earshot>>
"Oh, I meant what are your favorite MUSICAL jams?"
Oops... :)
 |
| Here I am with part of the local Finance team |
I must admit that the wide range of "formalwear" at the party was pretty hilarious. Thinking back on my trip to the mall last week, I shouldn't have been all that surprised. Oh, and the best part of the night was watching all the staff break it down on the dance floor. In case you're wondering, black people are also better dancers in South Africa.
After a thoroughly good time at the party, I took a few pictures around the hotel before heading back to my room for the night. As one of the only people in the resort, I almost felt like I owned the place!
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| Looking down into the breakfast restaurant from the lobby |
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| Lobby Lounge |
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| Here's the front desk |
If the hotel ever needs a spokesperson, I would gladly rave about it anytime. I just wish it wasn't located 8,000 miles away from Boston because everyone should come here for vacation (or work)!
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