The "Castle" - Vacation Nights Out

I got back a couple days ago from a vacation that I take every year with my family. This was our 19th year! Amazing! I have so many great memories from this place - a big old resort in the middle of nowhere NH. Very traditional, upscale, yet rustic. This is a place where many families come at the same time, year after year (an 80% return rate for guests). We have met many people that we see when we are up there. Now, and back when I was teenager when we went during school breaks.

When I was 14, I had my first date there. A boy my age, invited me to watch a movie with him in the old theater in the basement. His name was Tim. The following year, I met a handsome tall fellow. We became pen-pal high school sweethearts of a sort. Lasted for a couple years. I traveled up to NH to go to both of his proms! Since then, I have had romantic notions of meeting someone else while up there. For a couple years, recently, I actually had a beau that came with me and my family. A big milestone, as we were actually allowed to share a room (my parents are a little awkward about unmarried couples sharing rooms...heheh.)

Every year, on this trip, since we were old enough (which is WAY too many years), my brother and I have gone to the hotel "tavern" after dinner to listen to the entertainment. Have been listening to the same guys year after year, and they have gotten to know us, and remember us. Sometimes I have gone by myself, and it's a lot of fun. Funnily enough, the grey haired, balding, yet cool bohemian piano player seems to have developed a crush on me. Kissed me on the cheek the other night.

My brother and I were there three nights in a row this week. The third night, before dinner, the entire family went in. We were served by a very good looking, tall, young man. Then my parents recognized him as the hotel manager's son. Immediately there appeared whispered talk that I should, um, try to get my "in" with this guy. Heheh. Nudge nudge. Wink wink.

SO. After dinner, my bro and I return to the tavern. There's been a running joke that since I'm always out with my brother at this place, and his wife stays with the kids, that many people mistake my brother and I for the couple, and his wife the nanny. SO. When the friendly handsome young server started talking to us, my brother (who had had a few) proceeded to mention MANY times that I was his SISTER and was SINGLE. A tad embarrassing, but funny. Finally the handsome manager's son said that he was living with his girlfriend. Foiled!

There are rules at this place. Much of the staff lives in the hotel, in dormitory wings, or apartments. They are forbidden to "fraternize" with the guests. Think of the movie "Dirty Dancing". Our young good looking server said he and his father see this hotel as having something in common with that movie. He once dated a girl who was younger, and a guest at the hotel with her family.

So, it is my family's hope that next year, if the manager's son is still working at the hotel, that he will be single. In other words, THEY want an "in". I.e: free rooms. Yes, they are pricey. Heheh.