The morning started like many others during this part of the year in Cape Town, South Africa:
Blue skies, bright sun and warm weather.
I was waiting for my assignment in the office, not suspecting that this day would change my life forever.
Like every other day, Mike, the owner of Cape Sunshine Tours personally briefs his guides before they set off for the day. With a smile and a word of encouragement, Mike hands out the itinerary for today:
“Here you go, I have a mixed tour for you today. English and German. Only 7 people, so it won´t be too tough”
Peter looks at his itinerary and plots the best route for his pickup. There is nothing worse than not arriving on time especially when you are collecting German tourists. If you say 08h15, then you´d better be there at 08h15 and not 08h20. Even better when you arrive at 08h10, but rest assured that even if you get there early, the Germans will be standing in front waiting for you.
“Hey, at least there are no Brazilians today. Remember that group that Dave and myself had a couple of weeks ago? Man was that a challenge. You got to have hair on your teeth to handle a bunch of Brazilians on tour. They have no concept of being on time, ½ hour late for their pickup, drank too much, talked too loud but boy……………….looking back we have to admit that it was one of the most enjoyable tours we have done!”
“Ok guys, enough talk” says Mike.
“Let´s go have some fun. Show these people what our beautiful City has to offer.
Remember………..it´s their holiday”

Early commute into the city is never fun. Stuck in peak time traffic you either listen to the radio or look at your fellow commuters enclosed in their bubbles.
The only difference between you and the other sheep is:
You work where other people make holiday.
Cape Town is rightly called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are beautiful landscapes, stretching from the restless Atlantic Ocean to the rustic Winelands, the inner city filled with Cape Dutch architecture and small suburbs like the Bo-Kaap.
And best of all: the friendly people you find in the City.

Ok, here we go! Time to put your game face on!
These people are here on holiday. They want to be entertained, give them a day that they will never forget.

“Good morning, I am here to collect Mr and Mrs Schmidt for their City Tour.”
“Sit down, we will call their room”
“Bloody Germans…….why are they not on time?”
“Ok, this looks like them. Not bad, the old man has got himself a young one. Good on you old man”
As they come closer I break into my normal routine:
“Good morning, My name is Peter and I will be your tour guide today”
I look closer at the woman and suddenly it feels surreal. My body is talking to the couple, but my mind feels detached from my body. I realize that my body is continuing the conversation, but I am on the outside looking on.
Everything slows down as I take her in:
Short, funky blond hair.
Glasses that seem to have a personality of their own.
A baseball cap perched on that hair.
And a smile that goes forever!
Zoom! Zap!
Suddenly I am back in my body and I continue my introduction:
“You are joining me on a City Tour today”

…………………………….this is going to be a day to remember

(Screen) Name: nomad

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