D is for the Deltons

The difficult thing about writing an entry on a day like today is how to put a journalistically interesting spin on what was simply another day like any other. I don't want to become boring and repetitive, but sometimes it simply isn't as exciting as I make it out to be. It reminds me of astronauts on the International Space Station. Don't you imagine that once the excitement has worn off, there are days that their blog might discuss the toilet that doesn't flush or the sameness of the food, completely ignoring the fact that outside their window is the Earth in all its majesty, thousands of miles below.

Here, as well, you begin to take things for granted. The first time the deer were grazing next to my office was a thrill, but tonight as I walked back to the dorm from dinner, the deer walking up the service road in the opposite direction got barely a "how do you do" as we passed within a few feet of each other. It could be a petting zoo without the feeding. And, before dinner, when I went for a quick run, that spot overlooking the canyon was a momentary pause to catch my breath, not the awe-inspiring "wow" moment the first time I sprinted up that trail. Once again, the Chevy Chase approach to "the view."

This morning I received an e-mail from my nephew, Delton, who mentioned he was in the Bahamas at Atlantis, scouting out a location for Hyatt. If you've not been to Atlantis, it is the equivalent of Disneyland on a beach on crack. Despite the promotional literature's photos depicting a serene paradise by the sea, no resort with 10,000 guests is worth the visit. Or the automatic 15% gratuity added to literally every transaction you undertake. Stay at Graycliff in downtown Nassau instead. They roll their own cigars and whip up a terrific caprinhia with real Brasilian cachaca!

The evening ended with a phone call to my Uncle Delton, also a world traveler. He's promised an e-mail to me in the morning, but tonight's conversation could easily suffice. I do miss the luncheons and comparing notes about the N-Y Times Sunday puzzle, but sacrifices had to be made for this adventure and I will simply have to bear up. Cue the violins, please.

Actually, I believe both Deltons are enjoying the idea that someone else in the family has chosen to do something completely off the wall. We are kindred spirits in that regard.

So, what's the most interesting thing to happen in the last few days besides all the now routine lodging/retail snafus a place like this encounters? Well, one of the Ukrainian girls we've befriended asked to use our phone to call home. She had 34 minutes on an international calling card so we knew she would try to make the most of it, but trust me when I tell you I have never heard someone speak so fast and take so few pauses in a conversation that I could not understand in my entire life. Her poor mother barely got a word in! Rick and I could barely contain our laughter. We also realized that our calls to our parents are terribly dull.

It is way past bedtime here. It promises to be an incredible weekend at the GCNR. Enjoy yours, wherever you are!