A few tourists have had less then stellar experiences, but if you were to pore over those internet accounts you’d imagine yourself backed into an dead end alley with dozens of kids grabbing at your wallet while emptying your pockets and cutting your camera off your neck. I chuckled at Rick Steve’s guidebook describing Spain daytrippers to Tangiers appearing “like hostages, clutching their bags and big purses in front of them.”

That said each city has its own unique minor warnings. Morocco is a very safe country, and crime against tourists and travrlers is minimal and mostly opportunistic. One of these hustles involve the ease of getting lost. Even for the geographically skilled the streets and alleys of Marrakesh can prove confusing, with literally mazes of streets leading to forks and dead ends. If you make time it can be fun to explore, but if you’re trying to get home or be somewhere you’re best served to leave a trail of mental breadcrumbs. To get to my Riad I had a list of checkpoints, including a large mosque and this restaurant sign I called the “McDonald’s” sign because it had a large M in the center.

My first jaunt out I saw a sign for a cafe on a main street, followed it around some corners and found myself peering into a lady’s kitchen, thinking it was the restaurant. She pointed me in the right direction, but I found it closed. Retreating back down the alley that same lady asked if she could cook me something. Obviously my tourist dollars were a goal, but the gesture was memorable. After all I don’t think she’d invite just anyone into her home.

Getting lost however proves an opportunistic scam for some, a popular trick being to act as a guide to help you to your hotel or location, then leading you in circles or extra blocks for more money. It’s best to turn down offers of help when you’re studying and rotating your map. When a local’s directions are a must, the solution to this is to ask people in a store, or one who’s behind a counter or stall, thus having no incentive to misguide you.

While walking to the central market and back daily I passed by a restaurant and one morning stopped in for a bottle of water. One younger gentleman in particular spoke English well, and I liked the food, so I wound up returning two more times for lunch and dinner. During a late lunch we were chatting and I was showing him some photos on my camera screen. He recognized a nondescript man pushing a bike – then explained to me he was an undercover officer, patrolling to watch for any shenanigans against tourists. Obviously the city has an incentive to keep tourists safe from scams, but this was above and beyond in my opinion.

I can only recall one single instance, in the souk, where after declining to view some wares the salesperson followed me longer than I cared for. I switched my polite pleasantries to a firm “NO” and that was the end of it. One annoying instance out of hours and hours among vendors, but easier to escape him than leave a car dealership here in the U.S.

I wouldn’t say all the warnings I read go overboard, but excessive worrying and reading can taint a city’s image and the way you approach it. I met plenty of friendly locals and had a great introduction to the city during dinner with a local. More to come…

I was happy to join in this time and thankful for the invite. My bargin hunting Mom found some deals on rooms at tidy and modern Holiday Inn downtown, and I arrived late Wednesday night from Denver, (having spent just three days there for work following my Spain trip.) My cousin picked me up and took me a bar by Wayne State University – we caught up and chatted about Detroit, how the media highlights “decay porn” (like my photo below) and the excellent Johnny Knoxville web series Detroit Lives, which I’ve seen in full and recommended to him. After we put a few down I snuck into the room and fell soundly asleep. I awoke refreshed to meet up Mom, uncle and all four cousins at for breakfast at the hotel, along with a crowd of other nice Michigan folks doing the same thing as us.

Speaking of Michigan and sports, I should note my cousin Paul has a very well written Michigan spots blog called the The Big Mitt. If you’re into sports you should check it out. He puts a lot more detail into it than I do my site and has some excellent analysis and regular twitter updates too.

My oldest cousin took his eight year old son around the corner to watch the parade while I caught up with my Mom and uncle, telling them about my trip to Spain and Morocco and also questioning them on how I can start attending classes in Denver again while not sacrificing all my free time and travel schedule. Turns out it’s somewhat difficult.

After the parade finished up we drove over to Ford Field, and while not as large as Mile HighStadium is quite an impressive and modern structure. I didn’t even realize it was indoors, having texted my Mom a week before asking he to bring an extra cap and gloves. (“What for? The walk from the parking lot?” she wrote back.) Sadly my knowledge of Detroit sports consists of road trips to the Tiger games when I was a kid, and seats behind the support posts in the old stadium because the tickets were dirt cheap. If the game ran long we’d have to scoot pronto because my parents didn’t care to walk through the neighborhood to the car after dark.

After some hunting we found a lot a spot in front of this house just awaiting your gentrication. We spend the five block walk to the arena trying to figure out if the lady we just payed $20 for parked worked for some sort of parking service or was just passing by.

Well all the money saved from past years netted us a row of prime Lions seats about 20 rows up, and we even splurged on some $8 beers. The game was pretty intense for the first three quarters. My coworkers who openly mocked me for seeing a Lions game were being proven wrong – they were ahead in the first three quarters, making a jubliant afternoon for all except the Patriots fans who made their presence well well known. There was a fancy halftime show by Kid Rock, but my cousins and I all agreed that we liked his music better when it was rock instead of country or whatever genre he belts out now.

Things turned sour by the by the end of the third quarter the Patriots caught up and were tied with the Lions at 24. One of the Patriots fan, a few rows down donning a Tom Brady jersey, became giddy and was spinning around dancing giving us Lions fans the business. The guy a few seats over next to us put him in his place by screaming “Sit the F–k down F—t!!” It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard that; I’ve heard the same thing said at my friends’ gay rugby games, only with an entirely different playful intonation. As mentioned my beer cost $8 so I didn’t want to “accidentally” spill it on him, so in a more mature manner I planned to take him aside privately and have a courteous discussion on awareness and diversity, but the opportunity was lost as he, along with the rest of the stadium left en masse at the point when the Lions were truly defeated.

The car was still in the lot, so we drove back across the state, my cousin doing his best to dodge the potholes along the road leading out of town. I couldn’t help cracking up when my uncle forlornly asked aloud, “Why should I have to get an alignment just because I want to see a Lions game?” (To my foreign readers- Michigan is a little tight on cash right now so we don’t have much left over at the end of the month for fancy things like basic infrastructure.)

Late evening we arrived at a family member’s farm near Lansing, ending our day with a buffet of turkey, masked potatos, salads and pie, amid more family and friends.

Despite the loss and overzealous fans, I couldn’t ask for a better Thanksgiving Day with my family. And Kid Rock! See you there next year.

A coworker of mine has a long time friend who’s lived in Marrakesh for 20 years. We exchanged emails leading up to my trip, and she informed me about the festival and to “not be surprised at live sheep being driven around town on motorbikes or cars.” She was kind enough to meet for dinner my first night in town for wonderful meal and informative introduction to the city.

While Tuesday was bustling at the Souk, (the mazes of markets stalls in the center of the city), with families buying food and supplies for the holiday, I was told Wednesday would be a slow day in the city with many shops and restaurants closed while families spent time together.

The owner of the Riad I stayed at (report to come) arranged a guide who didn’t mind working the holiday and took myself and two girls from Australia, also staying at the Riad, on a day trip to the Lower Atlas Mountains.

He drove us outside the city, up some canyon and mountain roads (very similar to Colorado) and after a few photo stops we arrived at the town of Achayn, where the elegant Kasbah du Toubkal Hotel is situated on a hill with views of the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages on the hillsides.

Our guide Mohamed and his family lived in one of the villages a short walk from the hotel. After time spent relaxing amid the peaceful rooftops staring at the jaw dropping views Mohamed returned and took us for a walk through the villages where we saw families preparing their sheep, and to a waterfall a short hike up the canyon.

We didn’t ask for or expect what happened next: He took the three of us to his home for a meal. We removed our shoes and sat on the comfortable rugs atop his roof, with the same incredible views of the mountains and valley. His father made mint tea, taking 10 minutes to add and filter then mint and sugar. After tea the family prepared a table on the rooftop, and we were served a dish of lamb, with dates and walnuts. We ate it with the bread, but of course reluctantly used the forks on hand. We had an onion and olive salad with pomegranate for dessert.

Mohamed is one of seven children, with most of his sisters married. We met his Father, Mother and cousins He spoke English very well, and was able to tell us about his family’s history and their home. Of course he and his mother wondered why on earth the two girls, a few years younger than myself, were not married yet.

I’m grateful to this family for having me over to see a real Berber home in the mountains, and to share one of the best meals and visits that I’ve ever experienced.

I woke up on my first morning of a New Orleans stay and already had my utilitarian robot breakfast in the hotel.

Immediately after my friend asked if I was in the mood for brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. I told him I wasn’t that hungry, and was only planning to wander the French Quarter taking some photos, and also the aroma of beer fermenting the gutters.  I told him I’d join him for coffee and a bagel. He then informed me that it’s a one price buffet. None of this “order one small item” business. I didn’t want to spend $30 dollars when I wasn’t even that hungry, but reminding me that I was “in New Orleans” he convinced me to do it anyway and I’m glad I did.

I was overwhelmed at the selection, and chose to try a little of everything in as modest of portions as I could: Crawfish, turtle soup, and shrimp with remoulade sauce – (that’s a southern dip with horseradish and worstershire sauce.) For the main course I had two orders of eggs benedict, and for dessert a hefty slab of bread pudding.

It was an immense breakfast  – but we stopped short of turning it into a “Man versus Food” episode.

The restaurant is indoor and outdoor, in a large old mansion with courtyard. Entry is through a tunnel like passage (originally used for horses) leading to the dining area and courtyard.

This being the first morning after arrival I noted a small cultural observation of how polite the locals are. My friend and I sat at a two seat table inside against the courtyard window. Everyone that passed by us, whether staff or patron, nodded or said a polite “excuse me”, even though they weren’t interrupting us in the least.

An immense brunch of new flavors, and a perfect counterpart to my favorite dinner restaurant the Praline Connection which I visited on my 2006 trip.

The Court of Two Sisters is at 613 Royal Street, in the French Quarter.
http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/

Everything I’ve done in between and since: commercial flying and travel, Spanish lessons, skiing, biking and photography, totals less per year combined than renting small planes and flying around the west every few weeks. For that reason I only fly sporadically with friends and instructors, but am still happy I learned..

Turns out there’s another super expensive fun hobby: Collecting old railroad cars. I was in Alamosa, Colorado for a weekend, at which time a group of private railcars owners were overnighting in town during their 2010 tour.

I initially thought the cars on a siding downtown were part of the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, a tourist train which operates day trips through the San Luis Valley from Monte Vista to La Veta. On closer look I saw each car was a restored car from a past era – each with gleaming exteriors and beautiful interior appointments.

I was wanding around the tracks later that evening, admiring the cars, and chatted with several owners and their friends who were explained their group and trip while minding their cars.

This group was from the American Association of Private Railcar Owners. Their 2010 trip brought them to Albuquerque, touring to Raton (New Mexico), then Alamosa before heading over La Veta Pass to Pueblo then southeast to Amarillo. They have their cars delivered by attachment (renting space) on Amtrak or a freight company before link them together for the tour. At night they hang out on the

The stay on board their cars overnight, which are complete with bedrooms and galleys – a kind of luxury RV on rails. The only thing they didn’t have was an engine, so they relied on various companies to move them around, like Amtrak or in Alamosa they hired one of the Rio Grande Scenic engines to bring them down to Pueblo.

While I didn’t get invited on board any cars (they had family or friends with them) at night I could see the beautiful lamps inside, brass trim and curtains – amazingly restored to the early 20th century look they once displayed.

For myself as a railfan it was a real treat to see. Fortunately Alamosa is a small friendly town where no one’s concerned with tourists wandering around the small railyards.

The group was happy to engage my questions – the only thing I forgot to ask was where exactly one parks their railcar in the city. I certainly wouldn’t leave mine in urban railyard. Perhaps they roll it into a museum or something.

If you’d like to book a trip yourself they’re happy to share space: Here’s a list of future trips.

More photos below:

In addition to visiting the home we’ll spend a day doing something fun – like seeing the Kennedy Space Center or exploring Tampa and Clearwater. While the area isn’t a cultural hotbed I enjoy seeing new places and have found some unique spots one may not find on the tourist maps.

Sadly though our final visit was in January. Driving to the airport I said to my Mom, “Well I guess this is the last time we’ll be in Orlando.”

Surprise on me, I was invited to Florida again, this time by my other side of the family who was using their RCI time share for a week at Disney World and surrounding parks. I questioned the sanity of wanting to visit theme parks in July (for seven days no less) and informed them that here in Denver I had access to many searing hot asphalt parking lots that I could stand on for hours if I chose to. But since I love going places and know the city of course I joined in and arranged everybody’s flights as well.

I stayed for four days and they made all the plans – a nice change from my standard travel templates. They chose Epcot as a place we’d go together for two days, relaxing the other two and taking in some shows at night.

I don’t know what to say about Epcot that hasn’t been summed up by The Simpsons: “Epcot is what the people in 1965 thought the world would be like in 1987.”

Epcot was designed by Disney to be a community and residence for employees of Disney World. Life would be self contained and simple thanks to a well designed organized space and the benefit of public transportation. That never happened, and instead it became a theme park based on the idea of a “City of the future.” That future, and style of living that Epcot predicted however is more seen in science fiction movies than real life.

I got a real kick out of the swooping concrete structures, monorails and heavy looking white round and boxy buildings. In a world where all modern design is now glass and aluminum it’s, well, it’s a gas to see such retro stuff. Make no mistake I do like glass and the ability to see through it, but many of these fortress style structures (like Denver’s Convention Center or Detroit’s Renaissance Center) have been demolished or remodeled in the past 15 years, so it’s a trip to see such architecture celebrated and loved – even if it’s the faux architecture housed inside of an amusement park.

Coincidentally we met a lady from Brasilia, Brazil at dinner a few nights later. Anyone who’s researched urban design and planning knows Brasilia wasn’t much different than Epcot’s original ideas and design. Brasilia is a fascinating city to read about.

The first day we toured Future World, which encompasses the front half of the park. Now I initially thought I’d be burning up on the hot pavement, but a pleasant feature is that Epcot has existed for over 20 years now and the trees have matured nicely since my last visit during a school trip in 1992. Another plus, most of the exhibits are indoors and air conditioned. Of course I was hot and sticky, but it’s no different than biking in the rain: Once you’re wet you’re wet. And once you’re drenched in a syrupy mess of sweat and sunscreen it doesn’t become wetter or sticker. Everybody else is in the same sauna with you, so best to forget it and have fun.

During our first stop at the “Journey into Imagination” with Figment I was taught to use my imagination, so in my mind I conjured up a new exhibit at Future World based on the human and machine hybrid technology I witnessed at Epcot. It’s called the “Future of Human Mobility.” Now I don’t mean the monorail or those little pods that will whiz around cities in an alternative 1997 universe, rather the idea stems from the hundreds upon hundreds of scooters that people (with both legs) were using to escape the arduous obligation of walking. Much like the showcase automobiles in the GM sponsored “Test Track” these scooters were extreme! Some had umbrellas attached, others battery powered fans and cell phone holders. Even the rentals were top notch with head and tail lights as I discovered the night we stayed for fireworks. Late in the first day I commented “I definitely don’t remember this many scooters when I was here in high school” and the always wise Caleb informed me that the lasting battery power had not been invented in the early 90s. In this case Epcot was the future and The Future IS Now.

Some of the exhibits have movie tie ins. For example “The Living Seas,” threw in a bunch of Finding Nemo photos and merchandise to piggyback itself on the popular movie. By the way you can actually scuba dive with dolphins here, which I would have done had I researched it in advance.

The one movie I didn’t see, but would fit in perfectly with the mobility assisted world of Epcot was Wall-E. This is one of my favorite Disney/Pixar movie and nowhere in the park is it represented. Like the guests, many of the employees weren’t required to walk either. Segways were used to transport their physical bodies, allowing them to someday graduate to the ubiquitous scooters. I’ll bet those poor schmucks who have to stand and direct traffic at Copper Mountain are jealous of these guys.

In addition to the land where nobody walks (all of Epcot) we visited “Mission Space,” where CSI’s Gary Sinise trains you on a Deep Space Mission. They offer a “green” and a more intense “orange” ride. I love roller coasters however the g-forces of the orange ride didn’t leave my stomach too settled after.

To cool off mid day we visited the “Universe of Energy” where Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Nye and Alex Trebek teach you energy history at a kindergarten science level. Favorite quote:

Ellen: “But what about global warming?”
Bill: “That’s a hot topic and there are MANY opinions on it!”

Yup that was it. I suppose if I catered to thousands of people a day from all walks of life I wouldn’t risk mad statements or the spouting of any fancy sciency opinions either. Cue then our mobile auditorium entering the “underseas oil” section, where videos and scenes of rugged men on oil platforms and helicopters were shown. The BP leak having yet to have been plugged I could tell everyone was thinking the exact same thing.

We got a fast pass for the GM Test Track, a ride that sounds like a roller coaster from the outside but is simulation of an automobile test right down to the whiplash, cone swerves and speed braking. Expecting thrills, I handed my manpurse to the operator and asked if he should watch it. When he replied “No you’re fine with it” I adjusted my expectations and was not the least bit disappointed.

The second day we slept in and headed back to Epcot to see the World Showcase. I made sure to print out all the State Department warnings for the countries we’d be visiting.

Aware of the recent drug related violence we cautiously started in Mexico, wandering into an enchanted Mayan village and market with lots of trinkets and jewelry for sale. There is a restaurant indoors under “Chichen Itza” but there must have been a high level Mexican dignitary dining there because it was pitch black. This didn’t help in finding the pharmacy either to stock up on generic Mexican Propecia.

Then it was off to Norway, where we boarded the “Maelstrom,” a log ride cum Viking ship through the animatronic history of Norway – from Vikings to fjords and wind farms. Upon exciting the Maelstrom ride you watch the 15 minute “Spirit of Norway” movie, which celebrates the quality of life and the vision and drive of Norwegians. Towards the end of the video one lady in a lab doing techy stuff with a clipboard actually turned to the audience from a Commodore 64 – no joke. Then I realized everyones’ hairstyles looked like Dynasty and dated the video at about 1986. I wanted to inform my fellow moviegoers that the reason Norwegians are so content is because they tolerate high taxes and free health care, but we were late for Germany.

In Germany I leafed through a few German cookbooks at one of the many gift shops, and while taking a breather read via my iPhone this xenophobic Tripadvisor review about the German beer garden:

I was not told that I had to share my table with others. When I asked to leave I was forced to pay the bill despite eating a few bites. Management is very unbending and not customer friendly. Save your marks! I reported this in a two page letter to Disney.
LOUGATZ – Aug 10 2008

Wait! That’s really how they do it in Germany and it’s fun! I dined at the touristy Hofbräuhaus in Munich and we sat at a table as long as an oak tree, and our table mates were a fun group of friends on a weekend getaway from Hamburg. It was great – what’s so bad about sharing a table? Anyway Germany also had a big model train set I enjoyed watching.

We skipped China because I was expecting an email from my dogsitter and I didn’t want the internet blocked.

Next: Italy, where we watched a street mime before having lunch at the Tuttu Italia restaurant – located, well in Italy. While the endless marketing and merchandising at Epcot deserves to be ridiculed, the restaurants are known for being superb, and many Disney experts recommend reservations weeks before arriving to guarantee a table. Or a table to themselves. We had shells and Gnocchi in a rich cream sauce, and I the espresso was exactly to my strength and liking.

Great news! I am headed to Spain later this fall, however Epcot does not include Spain in their World Showcase. However I am considering a side trip to Morroco. So of course I visited Epcot’s “Morroco” to dive into my research. I wound up in the center of the “medina” (I learned by my Rick Steves books and Epcot that means market) and we found some real spices, just like they sell in Morocco.
And real Moroccans!

Granted Epcot’s Morocco is just another giant gift shop like the rest of Epcot there is one quality that’s worth mentioning if you’re there. Many of the employees staffing the world showcase are actual residents of the country represented. We had a great time chatting with a young guy from Wales, who was working for the summer and planning a road trip to California with his buddy. (Skip L.A. was our advice.) Past the keychains, bland rides, dumbed down political histories and promotional films, the people actual do make it a tiny bit authentic. I chatted up some real guys from Morocco and told them I was thinking of three to four days there but had no idea whether to fly to Tangiers, Casablanca or Marrakech. They all responded without doubt Marrakech.

Yes I’m actually planning a trip based on an experience at Epcot. Hey they were a local bunch that lived there. Is Frommer’s any better? Back to Tripadvisor: This reviewer from Toronto made me laugh a few nights later when reading posts about Epcot:

Canada doesn’t have Totem Poles all over the country, and I couldn’t tell you where the nearest Cattle Ranch is..for God sake it is the 21st century, I’m pretty sure we’ve had more recent cultural developments. Sadly , the only thing each pavilion had to offer were overpriced souvenirs and knickknacks and that you’ll never use, wear, or look at again once you get home. Moroccan hats for 20 bucks. Who in the US of A, or anywhere else besides Morocco, wears a Moroccan hat? -Balula Oct 2009

Our day wound down in England where we watched the fireworks show from the patio of the Rose and Crown Pub. During the two hours spent stalling at our table waiting for the fireworks to start I did some math in my head. A plane ticket to Florida is $350 (from Denver). An adult Epcot pass is $75. Parking is $14. Rental car (two days) about $80. That’s $519 dollars to visit a replica of an English tavern. In recent weeks on Kayak I’ve found London tickets for $700. So – $700 to London, and I’d guess 10 Euros from Heathrow to the door of any true pub in the city. To be in the actual country of England would only cost about $200 more than the fake country in Epcot. I’m not saying it’s a suitable alternative for all, but it’s a fun comparison.

Logistics aside, the absolute best Epcot people watching moment was in “England,” when a Beatles tribute band performed under a gazebo in the “town square.” All the older parents and grandparents parked their scooters and danced and danced, and got really into the music and moment, while all the while their kids just stared at them, or played games on their phone wondering why the adults were acting so loopy.

The fireworks show was spectacular. I’ve heard Disney is better, but since I rarely bother watching fireworks at home it was a treat. I also thought about the people who operate the fireworks show somewhere deep in the park’s phalanxes, and having a job where at the end of their day, even if they didn’t do it to perfection, that they made thousands upon thousands of people visitors happy. That’s a pretty cool job to have.

I was left asking “Why in the world (or future world) doesn’t Disney update this place?” But watching the hour long river of people streaming out after the fireworks I realized that as long as people were pouring in “doing” Epcot Center there was really no reason to to so.

The park left as a 1980s era time capsule is still a spectacle as it stands. Lord knows what lessons another civilization will learn from it long after we’re gone.

I’ve passed through Glenwood Springs countless times, and when overnighting have always stayed at the surprisingly cozy Ramada Inn off I-70. Glenwood Springs also makes an excellent affordable base camp for skiing Aspen, if you don’t mind trading a 40 minute drive for much cheaper lodging and dining options.

The Caravan Inn is an older era motel about a mile south of I-70. While the exterior appears solidly dated, inside it’s clean, has very large rooms, free secure internet, fridge and a big pool and hot tub. The large bathrooms are completely modern – no squeaky or ancient faucets. The large open spaces and peaked roof give it a “straight out of the 60s” look and you can almost picture the wood paneled family station wagon pulling up with the kids piling out begging to hit the pool.

The furniture in our room on the north building was more modern then our friend’s across the lot, but I’m not that picky about a dresser and headboard.

19th Street Diner is one block south. Great place for breakfast with an attached bar for drinks in the evening.

One Tripadvisor review gave negative marks for being too far to walk from downtown Glenwood Springs. I’d dispute that as I mapped it at .8 miles exactly, making a perfect stroll for after dinner.

Caravaninn.com

That’s not to say you can’t find locally grown fruits and veggies in the U.S., or that the similar big box processes aren’t found in a Mexican Super Walmart or Gigante, but coming from a local market where eggs are so fresh they don’t need to be refrigerated, it’s a change. If I’m staying somewhere for more than a couple nights I always prefer to rent an apartment or hostel with a kitchen – and make my first stop is to a local market. It’s cost effective, fun and doesn’t force you to eat every meal at a restaurant.

At local markets you notice the differences. Last fall in Argentina I saw box delivery truck with a fully stripped cow hanging by its legs in the back, stopped in front of a restaurant early morning. While it was surprising to see I realized and appreciated this meat was probably on a farm just days ago, and after being processed was now being delivered to butchers and restaurants, rather than being stripped down in a factory and hauled across the country on a refrigerated semi truck.

Meanwhile back in the states we have seven step placards on how to wash our hands.

In April I had just spent a week in and around Puerto Vallarta. (I somehow wound up going here three times in 11 months with different people.) I tip well and am not a high maintenance diner, but I do have one habit in restaurants: I like to pick where I sit. I certainly won’t hog a huge table for two people, but if I spot a quiet table back in the corner versus being seated in the center or middle of traffic flow I don’t hesitate to ask to me moved. Friends with server experience have told me this is annoying since they attempt to evenly spread patrons to each person’s section. That’s completely understandable, but if I’m spending my hard earned money on a nice dinner I want the best possible experience.

In Mexico, or in any local restaurant who’s appreciative of your business, should you say “That table looks perfect,” the host will usher you over, pull out your chair and say “Enjoy your meal.” A meal is an event, and it’s understood that the ambiance is part of that meal. That’s exactly what happens every time at the Espresso Ristorante, a favorite Italian place pictured above in Vallarta.

Jump back to my last return to the U.S., when in less than 20 minutes after clearing customs I was reminded of the glaring corporate lifestyle. We had a few hours to kill in Phoenix before my Mom, Caleb and I connected to our respective cities, and I walked us down to the Chili’s (US Airways terminal) to relax and have a beer.

My Mom wanted to sit on the faux “patio,” or the quiet area looking into the mall like terminal. I told the host we were going to grab the small table and an extra chair. “No No,” he said. “The two seat tables must remain only two so servers and patrons can pass through.” Understanding that, I told him the table was at the end of the aisle and there were no other customers in that area. He gave us a pained look, so not wanting to be “that guy” I acquiesced and followed him to a booth in the noisy interior, where I learned the names of toy dinosaurs from a rambunctious five year old on the other side of the half wall.

It certainly didn’t ruin my evening, or make me hate Chili’s, but abruptly transitioning from a relaxed less rigid atmosphere to an establishment governed by well meaning rules is a stark and noticeable contrast. While a schematic of rules and operational methods benefit the greater good of corporate continuity it often creates obstacles to simple enjoyment when applied in a non-logical manner…

I believe a good response to customer service is “If that makes you happy, doesn’t bother anyone else, we’ll be happy to oblige!” More companies should make their their mantra.