I returned from the ITMI Symposium in San Diego, and it was a lot of fun. We had workshops, touring time and lots of networking opportunities. The first full day I spent with Hope, Diane and Rob. We traveled around the city on the Old Town Trolley and here we're at the Hotel Del Coronado. You can tell that we're ending the day well with coffee in hand.
We also toured the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that sits in the harbor.
Throughout the week we had events - great food, too: oysters, shrimp cocktail, divine desserts, etc. - but the main reason I was there was to interview. I did eleven interviews in one morning. The process was much like speed dating - not that I've ever done it. We would have six minutes with the employer, then a bell would ring for a two-minute warning. The entire eight minutes went much faster than I expected.
However, I did get a call back from one of the tour operators wanting me to attend a five-day "interview tour." I know the dates, but the details are sketchy. I was told the locale information is "forthcoming."
I also got speak with a wonderful gal who works with GrandLuxe Rail Journeys. After speaking with her, it solidified my desire to work with them this summer. It sounds like a lot of fun, and of course, I get to see a lot of the United States. I should know more by the end of the week.
The day after our final party, which was dinner and dancing (yes, I danced .... Stop laughing!), we had the option to go to Ensenada, Mexico.
I had never been to Mexico, and I have to say it was a nice experience. The area was nice and it is a cruise ship port.On the way back from Ensenada, we stopped at the Rosarita Beach Hotel where they provided quite a spread of enchiladas, guacamole and such. The food was amazing. The real treat was the tour of the hotel. The resort was built in the 1940s and has that old resort feel. I felt like I stepped into a 1950s movie. They have done a lot of renovations to the hotel, and the prices are reasonable. I would highly suggest staying there.
The entryway to the Rosarita Beach Hotel Spa.
A view from one of the rooms at the hotel. The other side of the hotel faces the beach.
Then we headed home and stopped in Tijuana for 10 minutes. I didn't even bother to get out of the bus. We then sat at the border for 30 to 40 minutes waiting, although it was quite entertaining. I kept watching this Mexican woman being escorted back across the border. She wasn't resistant, but very calm. In the picture below you can see the sign for the border and the orange cone with the chain was the actual "line" that people were not to cross.
