Experiences To Remember

There are little things that make the experience to a hotel, shop or restaurant memorable, at least for me. Take my visit to the Spa at the Park Hyatt in Macka Istanbul for example. I found a notice - see picture - which listed 14 items that are available upon request!. Now I had to re-read the list a couple of times to be sure. Everything from toothpaste to shaving kits. 

Very thoughtful of the hotel. I contrasted this with my local gym back home where to get a polythene bag to put your wet clothes will incur the ire of the attendant. Toothpaste? "no, that is for hotel guests only" is the polite but never-you-ask-again response that you get. So you can imagine my joy when I saw this sign.

Which also got me thinking. On arrival, the guest relations manager came out to welcome my wife and I. She made the point of mentioning our long history with the Hyatt properties and welcomed us back. As a gold passport member of Hyatt, we got upgraded on the spot. What a way to begin our visit to Istanbul. 

And for this, Park Hyatt - Macka, Istanbul makes it to my list of experiences to remember. Just like the Dorchester Hotel in London - where on entry at least 3 attendants vie for your attention, "how may I help you?" quickly followed the greeting of the day. What a great idea. Usually, you walk to hotels and you have to weave your way through metal detectors and unfriendly security personnel. Not at the Dorchester, where you truly feel welcomed. It is the little things. No billboards proclaiming we are a "5 Star Hotel" just the basic welcome and warmth of a passionate front office staff.

Edo College at 30

I had the pleasure of attending the 30 year anniversary of my high school Edo College Benin-City. The function was held at the Holiday Inn in Brent Cross London where most of our friends from the Class of 1983 gathered to celebrate and give thanks. What an evening, from the smartly dressed black ties to the beautiful wives, it was a great evening to remember.

I met folks I had not seen in 30 years, Jerry B and his lovely wife reminded us that couples can still dance like it was "1983!. Solomon Osagie - sorry Dr. Solomon Osagie gave a rousing speech which recollected the history and achievements of Edo College. But Solomon saved his best lines of the night for the unfortunate ICC (Bishop Kelly College) alumni who showed up to lend support. Bishop Kelly College (ICC) was a neighboring school on the same road in Benin-City. Gideon, Omodon (now Gideon Chukwualim) was still his subdued self, intellect and dance steps still intact. Emma Ikhifa (although graduated a year or so later) was there and displayed some of his dance floor moves, while reminding us that "I nor want dance today oh". There was Enina Akpata (Akparex) and his brother Uwa who looked great after these many years. And Kenneth Okogie was his bubbly self shepherding his lovely wife from table to table by carrying the long flowing gown.

We also took time during the evening to remember those members of our set who had departed like Osasikemwen Oviasu - Sike, as he was fondly remembered past away in London about a decade or so. Solomon read out a list of the names, this was a sobering part of the evening.

All in all, it was a great evening, kudos to the organizers who did a great job..well done guys!.