Another day at The Ritz finished and a lot more learned! My second day of work started early. I woke up at 6:15 to get dressed and ready to catch the 7:30 train into London. Off I went with my grandfather right on time, when about 5 minutes away from the house I realized something.. I had forgotten my shoes!! No, I had not walked out of the house into the snow barefooted, but I had forgotten the black heals I must wear with my suit as a hostess. But it was too late to turn around, because we couldn't miss our train. Panic mode set in as a I racked my brain for possible solutions. As we waited at the station (for the train that ended up being late) my grandfather and I decided that the only solution would be to buy a pair of shoes once we got down to London. We hurried through London Victoria and the Underground and arrived at The Ritz right at 9:00 am. I nervously ran up the stairs into the office dreading the fact that I must inform the ladies I work with of my mistake. Forgetting your shoes on your second day- not a good start. I am lucky to be working at a place like The Ritz, because all the people there are always kind and understanding, and this fact held true to how they helped me handle my situation. As they racked their brains for shoe stores in walking distance for me, I heard from the corner office "Hold on... try these!" Out of her office came Hannah with a pair of black shoes. I graciously took them from her, praying that they would fit, and slid them on. They fit! Though a little tight, they would save me from running around London, in the freezing cold, looking for a pair of shoes to buy. Hannah kindly let me borrow them for the day and I quickly hurried down to my locker to change into my uniform and get ready for the day. Out of this whole experience I realized that accidents happen, and it takes accidents to learn new things. From this accident I learned to always be prepared, and that other people will be understanding because everyone makes mistakes at times. One must learn from their mistakes, and I definitly have learned from mine. I can safely say I will never forget a pair of shoes again in my life! This gave me a new outlook on this Winterim experience. I realized that doing things to the best of my ability and will my full effort is all I can do. Mistakes will happen along the way, but there is always a solution to any problem. So I set out for the rest of my day with this in mind.

The wonderful Pamela, who I worked with the day before, would not be arriving until after lunch. Instead, I would be working with Flora, a hostess who moved to London from Paris 3 months prior. Being the only English speaking Ritz staff member in the restraunt at the time, I went about the morning lost in the French conversations going on around me. I answered calls, booked reservations for the guests, confirmed the reservations for the coming week, and organized all the menus for lunch. With the menus in hand, I made my way through the hotel, delivering them to all the chefs, managers, and waiters. Being a quiet morning in the restaurant, I soon was sent upstairs to the offices, where Pamela had arrived and was working. After working on multiple spreadsheets, Pamela and I organized the Valentine's Day selections (The Ritz is always planning ahead). After a bit of laminator problems, we finished our tasks and were able to sneak down stairs to the kitchen where Capaccino made us hot chocolates (yes, the chef who creates all the hot drinks is really named Capaccino). As I finished my tasks around the restaurant, I was greeted by every waiter with a smiling face. After only two days, I already feel welcome and comfortable at The Ritz. With my shoes already in my bag, I'm heading off to bed, while the snow falls heavily on the ground outside my window.