Some people get great entertainment out of doing things that embarrass or aggravate other people. There are two things that come to mind, first feeding the seagulls at the beach, the other learning about history on the island. Let’s focus on History and let the vagabond birds have a break.
One of the gems on paradise is the Sanctuary Resort and Spa. Let us start off with a little background of this Kiawah Landmark. The KICA was hearing rumors that a very important person was planning to make Kiawah Island a vacation destination. To that end they began construction on a grand resort that would be casual yet elegant. It had to be reminiscent of a seaside mansion, yet feel as if it had been on the island for centuries. In the summer of 2004, they had a soft opening prior to the arrival of 6 and his family. They deemed themselves ready and the week 6 and his family showed up they held the Grand opening. For years they offered the proper conveniences like freshly brewed coffee on the veranda every morning, and fresh iced tea and pastries for an afternoon informal High or Low tea (not sure what the difference is ). There are many blog topics that feature the Sanctuary, but just like the Seagulls, 6 will focus on one tall tale. The one tradition that has the longest tenure, would be, the evening stroll along the beach ending at the Sanctuary for a night cap. For anyone that has engaged in the PVV or the FKV that has at least once made the long journey to the famous bar (actually I don’t think it has a name), to enjoy the overprice libations, and captivating or its annoying conversation. One might be wondering why 6 with his wisdom, would allude to any conversation involving 6 be annoying? This may cast some clarity on that… Going back 20 years, 6 has been asking one simple question of the server who delivers those magnificently overpriced libations. Any guess as to that question??? WELLL 7 … Who are those people in the portraits, hanging on either side of the rather expansive bar? Does anyone other than 6 appreciate that question? Of course, you do!!! 20 years ago, we would get an official sounding explanation, long and detailed, from the owners of the estate, to random people who were willing to have their portrait pained to represent random owners of the estate, we got some real fantasies. Here is the reality. When they made the hires at the Sanctuary, they exposed them to an extensive training program on the history of the building. Over the years it became painfully obvious, the quality of the employees doing the training became lethargic. For each person doing the training place little emphasis on the mystic of the building and its contents, and more on the needs of self-serving guests. Let us fast forward to last year’s PVV, like clockwork, 6,7and 8 (4 and 4A elected to break with 20+ years of tradition and stay back at the condo) just after the headwaiter accepted our order and walk away, 6 told 7 and 8, that he was going to ask the traditional question, when she arrived with our swills… Oh if looks could kill, they did not even bother requesting me not to for both of them knew it was nothing but a waste of good breath. As usual, ½ hour later the headwaiter came back with our swill, but hold on, 6 could not ask the question, before he could utter a word, 7 asked her…. No not the question but if we could have some munchies that was on every other table. … Lack of training saved them for the moment, the real question was does 7 really want the munchies or was it since 6 was now on a fixed income, his mental decline would cause 6 to forget knowing it would be another hour before the munches would arrive? 7/8 must have really wanted those munchies, for after the hour wait, on que 6 asked the age-old question… Who are those people in the portraits? All were expecting a long-winded explanation with a slightly different take on the age-old story. To all of our surprise, she said that those people were her Aunt and Uncle! Imagine the reaction! What is happing to the training and this prestigious resort and spa! To all-you-all’s disappointment the saga continues to this year’s PVV. Yes, 6 asked the same question, and to all of our surprises the answer to the question was even more disappointing, although you have to give points for honesty. The PVV answer she gave was: “I don’t KNOW!” this causes one to wonder if 7 and 8 slipped her a few bucks to answer that way. At this rate, in another 5-6 years the Foremost Resort and Spa on the east coast (slipped to #9 this year), will become alternative to Motel 6. Let us all hope that KICA, takes the advice of its founder, and train its employees in the fine art of hotel management. BTW 6 figures that the reason why they would elect a Penn State Grade to president, was PSU is world recognized for its Hospitality (hotel/Motel/Resort) Major. One thing that has not changed in the past 20 years, to get an actual drink at the tables in the bar, it takes a at least an hour, is that all part of the Sothern Charm, or its poor service? Tune in for the next episode of the blog to find out the answers to the mysterious questions: Whom are the people in the portraits, and can they deliver an order faster than an hour. We will all know soon for FKV, will be here before we know it.
Time to go Banana is calling.
Words of Wisdom: Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
JL
it does have a name. It is called the lobby bar
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