7 Sept -Is it me or what?

Picture this.  First day of us going on the tour bus. Here we are, bouncing along all bright and eager and Spanish J was greeting people as they went by.  As I approached in my shorts and T shirt ( and remember J had exactly the same garb on), Spanish J said to me "My dear, I think you will need a jacket because it does get a little cooler in Segovia.  It is only going to be 26 degrees".

Me:" 26 degrees? That's not cool! " 

Spanish J: "Yes 26 degrees. That's only 70 degrees Fahrenheit"

Me (and I could feel me giving him a "Mum" stare that indicated I thought he was stark raving bonkers) " I can't see how I would need a jacket if it is going to be 26 degrees"

Spanish J: " Well, it's up to you, but some people need jackets but if you feel you don't, then it's up to you"

I walked away wondering if I was on another planet.

Then of course, the next " dreadful" thing that I did was go on the optional tour by myself ( ie J and I didn't do the same thing together).

Spanish J then stopped talking to me and he is in the "minus tip category " at the moment for me though he is charming everyone else.

J was initially saying " don't be silly, I'm sure he doesn't mean anything" but now he is saying " he really doesn't like you does he?"  Spanish J only asks J for our preferences and called out our names as "John and Aaaaah".  

Of course, I don't like it when the tour company gives out "this" for the ladies ( a crummy tea towel) - I'm an ungrateful sod aren't I?  and this ( a key ring) for the gentlemen.  Not that I really want either but I just get annoyed that a persons sex determines actions when it isn't really necessary.  It reminds me ( I know it is petty) when I was made the first female exec on site.  Tradition was, all execs were given a special tie.  They didn't know what to do with a female so they rummaged around, found an outdated tie and asked me to give it to Jonathan.   

Aaaaaah well ( my new name) - these are just minor things that cause me to smile and wait for the next "unusual " episode.  I'm quite amused by it all really.

Postscript:  Despite these trivial things, Spanish J was really a very wonderful Tour Director and we were so fortunate to have someone with his energy, skills, humour and knowledge