One of the joys of travel is meeting interesting people.
Such random encounters enrich my life.
A balcony door that refused to open at the Westin Hotel in Whistler, B. C. led to such an encounter.
Jake Gray was the young man sent to resolve my problem.
With his blonde curls, he reminded me of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
He was easy to talk with and very kind in dealing with an older woman with a mechanical problem.
As we talked I learned that he recently graduated from university with a degree in neuroscience.
He is from New Zealand and on a working holiday as he explores the world.
His valuable repair skills were learned while working summer jobs with his father who is a painter.
These skills open doors for immediate work as he explores the world.
Jake struck me as a young man who was grounded and yet ready for adventure.
Jake had a plan and more important, a zest for life.
Thank you Jake for fixing my door.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I wish you safe travels and many adventures.
Lori Greer in Portland 