11:45 just after my first of two meetings today, I go to the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal and wait for my bus to Toronto, for a two hour bus ride. My meeting is with Mike and Edison of Downtowner Inn, whom I had tried to meet earlier but failed. Moe Merani has the cell number for Mike so, now it’s all done and we’re meeting and on top of all that I’ve been given a complimentary stay for the weekend. And yes I’m working for the whole weekend…Wow!! I can see the CN Tower, so I’m almost there well kind of because the traffic in downtown Toronto on the Gardiner Expressway/ Queensway is stifling and seems to always be congested, nothing easy here but lots of beautiful water, green and people enjoying the outdoors on this seemingly cloudy day…boats galore, yes for my birthday please…lol…whoops! I almost hit the seat a head of me…deadlock traffic. We arrive and I pick up my bags and my way to a 117 Pembrooke along Dundas east to two blocks after Jarvis and make a left, proceeding north. My first impression is size of the front yard in the smack middle of downtown Toronto and its picnic benches and lawn chairs…already saying, come and relax with us.
It’s now 15:30 and Mike and I start our meeting by going through a brief tour, which shows more of the things that are in the plans to support the future clientele. Mike is passionate in making this business of his succeed to the highest level and we talked at great lengths and if he’s serious, this will be a before and after project. I informed that the category that will push his business is the low rating is FUN. He has some ideas ‘bout doing this and pushing memories and experiences; let’s see what happens. A time I wanted to have my camera around…oh! I didn’t tell you. It’s been gone for a couple of weeks, but have no fear because I’m getting a NEW one that will be even better and give you more of my experiences. Okay before I get real off topic…lol and no I’m not. All I was going to say that I meet some people that have booked their visit via Hostelbookers.com.
On Sunday September 24th, sometime after breakfast 10:00…I will get more through tour by Edison whom is the Manager, but till that time I will be going to a Grand Opening dinner at the Ramada and schmooze potential clients and media. I’m going to put the Shamba Amani smile!
How else do you expect me to spend WORKING nights?
Read up! And I’ll tell you what happened…Well; I entered (with Shamba Amani smile) and just walked on through. Spotted a friend of mine whom currently works in the hotel industry here in Toronto and sat in somebody’s seat, but I was a gentleman and asked the woman, then proceeded to get my own seat and added it to their table and got reintroduced. One of the persons at the table was the very beautiful Gretchen, whom is a concierge at the Comfort Suites and is also very passionate about her position and much like Hostelbookers.com is offering people memories and experiences. Also, seated was Patrick Rhein of Futuresources whom is a facilitator and coaching from within. Who’s all about personal and businesses maximizing your power within. I also, met Paul, another concierge and then the person whom I had noticed earlier, Rodger from the Ramada Plaza Hotel who’s place of work was having a Restaurant Grand Opening featuring Executive Chef Keith Rees. Now, I saved my belly from food for the last three when I rvsp’d my invitation. We were served chicken chipote with bowtie pasta…Oh! This is a must, I could have eaten 10 plates full, but I had to behave since I was representing Hostelbookers.com…lol, then there was spiked Moroccan Chicken, a little then what I cook since I place mine all rolled up in thinly, lightly crisped pastry. Voodoo Chicken, Pomegranate Chicken with roasted garlic and spinach, spun mashed potatoes with certified Black Angus Beef with wild mushroom Marsala sauce and Jambalaya. I must say I had my fill and it was a very eventful evening of networking, only time will tell how successful it’ll be to add on some new properties that are also centrally located. One more glass of wine and I will call it a night and make my way back to the Downtowner Inn, but you know I’ll be chatting it up a bit more. I submerge under my sheets again for another restful night and in anticipation of the continental breakfast that is served from 7:00 till 10:00.
Sweet Dreams!
It’s 08:10, Sunday September 24th and I’m up, bathe, organize my bag and then off to breakfast. Well, let’s just say I abandoned that thought and went to Canada’s famous Tim Hortens and had a coffee and a toasted bagel. My lunch with Mike will be held tomorrow and I make my way to see friends and family and go have me a home cooked Caribbean dinner. Well, time to get my belly stuffed again and if I had my camera you’d be sitting at your computer drooling, no not over me…the food…lol.
Monday September 25th, means I’m working on sales…and you’re probably not interested so I just send out 10’s more emails, lets’ see if any other properties are looking to boost their occupancy rate via Hostelbookers.com. Talk to you tomorrow ‘bout my bus ride to Ancaster and throughout South Western Ontario.
Tuesday September 26th at 10:00 and I’m in Hamilton, Ontario at my cousin and his families home. Ancaster is actually 10 minutes away and now I’ll be fortunately getting a ride there. Yes, he a good belly laugh with me and the greyhound representative working out my itinerary for my travels throughout Ontario and the bus services that work with greyhound and the one that absolutely don’t. So now I’ve got to find an alternative route to Algonquin Park, Whitney and Winsloe Ontario…wish me some good fortune.