The number one best thing about being an innkeeper is all the interesting people I get to meet. I have a short list of people that I will not accept repeat reservations from. Those are folks who have been disrespectful either to me, my property or other guests. As I said it is a very short list. I have a long list of wonderful people that I look forward to seeing again. You know how some people you instantly feel a connection with. You think to yourself, "This person could be my friend." Or "I want to learn more about this person." I am so lucky, I get to meet lots of those.I have met women from Japan, New Zealand, Russia to name a few places. I think they are so brave to travel to another country all by themselves. Often, it is just that person and myself at breakfast. Usually by the time they leave, we are best buds. We have had a lot of interesting male guests, too. Some that come to mind are a mystic, a Jewish cantor, a Native American artist, a West Indies author and so forth.
Last week I had the pleasure of having a retired member of the theater here for 5 days. I don't name names for privacy sake. Let's call him Mr. Sweetheart. He arrived dressed in a seersucker jacket and bow tie and had lovely silver hair. My first contact with him was an email from him that was quite chatty. I actually thought it might be a scam. Usually when the email shares way more information than you need to make a reservation, it is a scam. I replied with a short "Yes, that room is available on those dates." Then Mr. Sweetheart called to make the reservation and we talked for some time just like old friends. He had once lived in Tulsa and was returning for a memorial service. He had some special requests, which I was glad to honor. He was just a joy to be around. He did not eat breakfast, but every day he and I found time to have a chat between his comings and goings.
He just loved our Tulsa bed and breakfast and has promised to return. When he left, we hugged and I almost cried. He told me he had left some treats outside on the private balcony and in his room. I thought maybe a plant or something. Oh no, he bought new cushions for the outside furniture. The cushions I'm sure were more expensive than the previous ones and went perfectly with the room's decor. He also left some red wine and dark chocolate. Favorites of my husband and myself. I do not expect anyone to leave such gifts. I really wanted to cry then.
Visit a B&B soon and make yourself some wonderful new friends.
