#69 Elevator Guy

San Diego Trip - April 2014
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When I told my friend, Lorrie I would be staying at the iconic Del Coronado Hotel in on Coronado Island, she told me about the elevator guy.

"Oh he's just wonderful!  It's worth a visit to the hotel, just to have this guy give you a ride.!"

Not Too Shabby
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​Don and I stay at a lot of quirky, not so ritzy hotels and inns when we travel.  We don't need a lot of pampering or high star ratings to lure us.  

But we got some of those things on this trip and I'm not complaining.  Mostly I loved the history of the hotel and the fact that one of my favorite movies, "Some Like It Hot" was filmed here in the 1950's. 

​Otis Elevator
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But I also was pretty darn excited about riding on that old Otis elevator!   A cage like elevator that required an operator!

I kept my fingers crossed that the man Lorrie had raved about, might still be working there.  

Strategy
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​There seemed to be so many people, with so many bags, waiting for the elevator in the lobby.  

I worried about having to share my ride with other tourists.  I convinced Don, we should take a few flights of stairs and catch him on the way down.

Me With Andrew
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​When the our sweet operator, wearing his brown uniform with cap opened those golden doors on the fourth floor, I could see we had the box to ourselves!  Andrew, as his tag clearly read, seemed a bit awkward for someone who must greet strangers 8 hours a day. "We've heard so much about you!" I grinned like a fan.  

He offered a nervous chuckle and sent our cage rumbling towards the lobby.  "Where you from?"  He sort of mumbled in a soft monotone.  We answered Texas and he responded in the same tone, "Are you A & M Aggies?"  We laughed and said no, that our kids had gone to UT. He seemed pleased as he focused his serious gaze at the elevator door and began to quietly sing, UT's "The Eyes of Texas are Upon You". We applauded and he tried to hide his awkward smile as we arrived at the lobby. 

​Thanks, Andrew!

Most of the elegant travelers who talk about their many stays at The Dell, probably talk about the grand service or the beach or the cone shaped roofs.  But you, with your round cap are the first thing that comes to my mind.  You were sweet and quiet and took your 40-hour a week job very seriously! You, more than anything or anyone, helped transport me back to a time of glamorous travel! 

FYI... As it turns out, Andrew IS NOT the elevator man Lorrie remembered!  How sweet to know there is more than one memorable elevator man!