Wine down.

Eat. Sip. Shop. Sleep. Repeat.

Eat. Sip. Shop. Sleep. Repeat.

If you want to know how my last trip went, I would say this perfectly sums it up.

I mean, what else does one really do on vacation besides eating, sipping, shopping, sleeping, and repeating?

There we were, in sunny skied California, day in and day out, carrying out that deliciously exhausting lifestyle.

*long dramatic sigh

In reality, it was the most relaxed I had been all year.

Especially considering the year we’ve had.

(aka the summer from hell)

And yes, though I had to “wake up early” (from sleeping in a refurbished camper), and though there were “long drives” (from Sacramento to Napa Valley), and a lot of money spent (on vintage dresses and bottles of wine), I was in absolute heaven.

Most importantly? I wasn’t working.

As I sit down and try to reminisce about my trip, I find it difficult to encapsulate the entirety of my time in California in one blog post.

How can I?

I already find it challenging answering folks who ask me what the best part of my vacation was because in all honesty, there were so many memorable parts.

Was it the afternoon spent shopping in San Francisco at my favorite vintage store?

Or accompanying my sister as she said yes to the dress?

Perhaps it was getting tipsy, tasting 21 wines in one day? (yes 21 wines)

It could’ve been riding the Napa Valley Wine Train, or sipping bubbly at J while it rained outside and turned the vineyards a golden hue.

And we simply cannot forget the marvelous dining experience at Michelin starred restaurant, La Bouchon.

I think what really set this trip apart though was being on the other side of service.

Ask anyone who works in the industry and I guarantee they’ll tell you that this summer was THE most difficult, and stressful, and busy season they’ve ever worked.

At least, it was for me.

So, having survived it (miraculously), and then turning around and being graciously taken care of on the other side of the table… well, it felt pretty damn rewarding.

Aside from being greeted by red carpet and shown the best hospitality and accommodations around, I also discovered this shared sense of camaraderie, especially with those working in food and beverage.

It was like, Oh, you work in the industry too? Was it as crazy for you guys as it was for us?

Everywhere we went, we shared this connection with those who had also survived the monstrosity of the summer 2021 working season, and it felt like we were family, part of the gang.

Plus, not once did I get a call from work. Not once did I worry about staffing. And not once did I check my phone for sales.

Because for once, I was being taken care of on the side I’m used to serving.

This trip also reminded me of how rewarding it is to serve in this industry. While this year had me doubting the line of work I was in (I mean, seriously doubting), I was nonetheless inspired by the difference it makes when someone goes out of their way to create a memorable experience for you.

Because here I am now, recalling just that: the service and the accommodating nature of those whose job it was to make lasting memories.

It was the perfect trip. Yes, filled with eating, sipping, shopping, sleeping, repeating, and altogether “wine-ing” down. But it was also filled with inspiration.

And boy was I inspired.