Fate Had Better Plans

So where do I begin, perhaps my current location and how I got hear? Let me begin where it all started, when I applied for a job. It was a job that was very different that those chosen by my fellow college graduates. This job had many advantages over the other employment opportunities, but it also had just as many draw backs, just like any other job. There were problems, misunderstandings, harsh words were said, and other different sized speed bumps were struck, but those right now are a story for a later date. This is the story of the company retreat. It is one of those perks of the job.

April 21, 2008

Today my boss and I drove down to Banff in a rented cargo van with tires as bald as the plains of Saskatchewan, and in crosswinds that gave us the pleasure of crossing 3 lanes of traffic without even moving the steering wheel. Upon our slightly stressed arrival into our destination we unloaded and checked into the Banff Springs hotel, an absolutely mind baffling hotel built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888.

After familiarizing myself with the architecture of the buildings many ballrooms, bars, and architecture (not an easy task) most of the office sat down and chatted over supper. After the consumption of alcohol, food, and another larger consumption of alcohol, we split and called it a night. I proceeded to my room and tried to apply my attention the wide screen LG television on the dresser, which turned out failed to work. It seemed fated had better ideas for me this night, and it didn’t involve television, so I went out and wondered around instead, and found my favorite rooms, including the one I am currently writing in now. That is how I ended up in a comfortable leather chair with a portrait of Queen Alexandra on my left, a buffalo head hovering above and stars flickering within the window upon my right.

I have the whole hotel to myself tonight, nobody is here, the ballrooms and lounges are all unlocked allowing me to walk around and see them all undisturbed. I have taken this opportunity to read the novel Paper Towns in all of the impressive rooms, just to say that I could.

I am happy actually that my TV wasn't working, walking around this massive hotel at night gives you a sense of wonder and mystery that you miss while it is bathed in is drowned in sunlight.

Tomorrow I will tell you more about my favorite rooms. Unil then.