I’m so happy to actually have a schedule. I’m permanently Thursday/Saturday off. So I can schedule appointments for Thursday and enjoy a weekend day as well. I visited historical Bridge street today
The clock tower and marina at the end of the street
So many tourists, what should have taken me 20 minutes took 2 hours to drive and find parking. However, all the looking for parking allowed me to tour the area to see where I wanted to go. It turns out the Drift Inn bar was it. I set next to a super fun couple who live up in St Petersburg. They love it here, so they drive down once a month to listen to the music.
Ever since I quit GiGi, I have been on the move researching and Researching. Looking for work, Looking for housing.
While the research was in amazing locations, with beautiful scenery, it didn’t feel like I could relax and enjoy, because I had something to accomplish.
This is a learning experience for me only. I do not intend on this being my career. When I set out to have a bar on a white sandy beach, the bar won’t ultimately be what supports my dream. The 5 villas behind the bar and the sea-do rentals..along with the bar, will support the dream.
When I left this morning, my roommate, landlord, said “good luck on your first day” like I was leaving home for school. Too cute.
We were so busy, our cooks couldn’t keep up, but people seem to be on island time and don’t mind waiting in line for 20 minutes to order. We only had one guy working the bar and he needed help. He and I went for a drink after work. I told him, as soon as I learn the ropes I’ll help him.
I was told today was an average day in tips. If that’s the case, I’ll do fine supporting myself snd still saving for my bar. It was super hard work, never took a pee break, or a lunch break or a break break. Which means I’ll get my good figure back. Hustling all day, and only one meal a day, is how i got in shape on the yacht. but the good thing about this job, there is a beginning and an end. We close at 4pm and we’re out by 5:30. On the yacht, there was no closing time.
Enclosed patio where coffee and wine will happen Cutely decorated sleep box
I was able to connect with a lady through a “roommate” app. She and I met at her home for about 2 hours today. I paid for the room, started moving my stuff in, and she left, to go have Easter with her family. I guess in that 2 hours she decided she could trust me.
Recently, I’ve been on the move North. Now that I found a job I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere. I just need to stay close to cell service or WiFi so I can secure housing. Slept in till 7:30 went down to lobby with iPad, phone. And Hot coffee. researched all of my housing contacts and found new ones.
Because this is a vacation destination. It is jam packed with “snowbirds”. All hotels are at maximum (Covid capacity) and any rooms that remain. Are triple the normal price.
Left my hotel to go to my interview. The lady that interviewed me, asked the right questions, which informed me all that I needed to know about them. They are like family. Everyone knows and does everyone’s job. So cross training will be amazing.
She said the job is yours if you want it. Now my real work starts. Finding housing in a place where hotels are full, VRBO’s are booked, air b&b…booked, which scatters to short term rentals being booked which makes me need to look too far away for my job. I spent all morning looking for a house, apartment, room in a house for rent; finally found a furnished apartment. Set up a time to meet the manager. GPS says 45 minute drive. I’m forced…I need “something”. Then I try to factor in tourist traffic equation and agree to meet the manager hoping that’s what would take me so long. Nope. It really is that far without traffic. I cancel the meeting and turn around
It’s getting late, so I hope that all of the potential places I reached out to this morning respond soon. I need somewhere to stay tonight so I’m looking at the triple rate hotel rooms. Even those were sold out. Decided to go back to where I was last night, as Atleast I know it’s safe and clean. even though I was forced to spend over $700 for 2 nights… I start work Monday morning. So I have a few days to figure it out!
Stayed at a less than clean hotel last night in Venice. I was up bright and early to head more North. I just know the perfect place will pop up and everything will just fall into place.
Arrived at the island about 10 am. Town is adorable. As soon as you cross the bridge there are no franchises, all boutiques, beach gear rentals and locally owned businesses. I found a pier just slightly above that beautiful turquoise water. They advertised a grill at the end. I walked out amongst all of the fishermen, fisherwomen and fisher kids.
The grill is tiny and cute. I sat and soaked up some sun for a while and enjoyed the excited kids when they’d get a bite.
Cell service is terrible and I need to find a place to stay for the night. I meander back on the pier and all of a sudden a HUGE down pour happens. We are all running as if fire is chasing us, then we laugh once we make it to the shelters on the beach, cause, it’s just rain..and it’s warm.
I make my way to one more beach bar. It’s definitely on the beach, it has a gift shop, restaurant, tiki bar, Patio dining and ice cream. And they have a help wanted sign out. I feel compelled to inquire. Even though I could end up getting no experience in what I need. I’ll probably be scooping ice cream or selling souvenirs.
I sat down for the interview, the gal disclosed that they don’t need help at this location, but rather at their tiki bar at the end of the island. It’s much smaller..I smiled and said I’ll gladly go there.
Only hurdle left is finding housing inline with my expected income. I met a plastic surgeon vacationing here for a few months. He gave me tips on how to maneuver through affordable housing. It’s out there.
After my interview. He and another guy I met are taking me to places that they think I might be looking for.
I left Ft. Lauderdale around 9am. Arrived at my first stop about 3.5 hours away Boca Grande. Beautiful water, small town, home feel…but only one beach bar. I’m ok with that, I just need a job to learn. And a place to stay while I do it.
Remember when I was on GiGi for repairs in that sketchy part of Ft. Lauderdale? When you arrive by boat, your bearings are off. As far as I knew, I was in the boondocks with absolutely nothing around. Plus walking and exploring did not feel safe. So my best bet was delivery.
Crazy's Adventures 