Ellis and I are tippers. I think because one of our sons, years ago, quit his first job as a bellman. He wasn't making enough money. He was't getting enough in tips to make up for his low wages. I figure these young men who take care of the towels and carry our luggage are somebody's sons. I like to make them happy in their work. And the young men are very appreciative. Our lounges are made up before we get there--yesterday with a gift from the sea: a nearly perfect conch I can lift to carry home, mui dulce.
THE TOWEL KIOSK
Tips always show appreciation, good for you. And, brilliant you got a shell to take home. Like your watercolour of the little building, I'm guessing this is in the hotel grounds. Possibly the pool guys kiosk?
ReplyDeleteYes. Our preferred lounges are the best; they get shade all day. So we stay on that one spot. Yesterday, I decided to change my view without changing chairs. The towel kiosk was in my sights. Then several folks asked us where we got our towels. The question made me realize young travelers haven't learned the ins of traveling and know little about how to get good service--anyway, that's what I was thinking about while painting the little house. Glitch: I could have brought a smaller brush. This one isn't bad. I'm getting the idea of my limitations having only a larger brush--broad strokes folks.
DeleteJe bent wel een bezig bijtje hoor maar het ziet er perfect uit lieve groetjes Daniëlle
ReplyDeleteDidn't realise you were posting from down there, Linda!!
ReplyDeleteTips used to be an American thing. I didn't realise that they existed until I first started going to the US in the 60s' I think it's pretty much universal these days.
I'm back in circulation and posting once more. It was only as I was catching up on my buddies blogs that I saw you were 'active'... sorry to have been ignoring you! Hope you are both enjoying a well earned rest!
Yes, but all Americans don't tip hotel personnel like the floor maid, the bellman, the pool boys, the concierge...Then they complain about the service. It is amazing how the service becomes fantastic with a tip of just a few dollars. Like wait people, hotel personnel depend on tips to boost their earnings, which are usually minimal wage.
DeleteGlad to see you back. Though I wrote I was taking off blogging while on holiday, I figured out how to post from my iPad. Since I am painting daily, I thought I'd carry on. I much rather paint than read. I don't like using the iPad for reading. I did download a book, but, after trying out this new way of reading, discovered I like real books.
In Holland we are not used to tipping, it is supposed to be included in the wages. So tipping really is a token of appreciation. I like your watercolor sketches! And the shell is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis conch is packable. The other was way too big and to heavy; it had to be shipped. It's better off staying in Mexico. Our conch is going to be the star of my center piece on the back deck table, a lovely memento.
DeleteIn some places in the US and around the world gratuities are included in the bill, and tipping is unnecessary IF you think they added enough appreciation? We like twenty percent. If the gratuity is that, fine. If not, we add the difference. Maybe Ellis and I are too generous? Too foolish?
This painting could use more development. It won't get it. It's just a study that did teach me I didn't have the same watercolors as I had before. These are something new to me.
Linda!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Linda! I am happy to hear you are a good tipper! Caring is very important! Bravo!
Love the building! You made this kiosk majestic! Excellent use of the medium!
Paint on!
("A gift from the sea!" Ah! Perfect! I love the sea! Enjoy your shell!)
Michael
Not bragging, just saying painting this kiosk brought tipping to mind. --I also always tip the piano player in lounges. They don't get paid much either. I like to support the arts. I would have been a very philanthropic tycoon :-)
DeleteA Gift from The Sea by Ann Lindbergh. Maybe there's a chapter titled Conch. I'll look when I get home.
The tipping issue is interesting as one travels around the world and find the local customs with regard to the practice. In lots of countries it is take as a genuine bit of appreciation for good service in others it is an expectation as part of the remuneration package. In some anything added to the payment by card is absorbed by the management and maybe distributed to staff or otherwise. I've had some poor experiences with the aggressive solicitation of tips as an expectation at levels of 20% of the bill and I hate to add that these have been on my trips to the States. When they become an expectation rather than a true demonstration of appreciation then there needs to some serious questioning of the wage structure in the establishment. All this grousing from someone who looks forward to opportunities to reward good service. There are some aspects of travel that can irritate one.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of towels Linda but I agree, you need at least 4 per person :-)
ReplyDelete