ON THE CUSP

Back to guiding for a few weeks after a six day tour to soctland and back. It seems strange to claim that I do two different jobs, guiding and tour directing, but there realy is a lot of difference in the two roles. In guiding you have to make an impression quickly, grab people's attention and keep them stimulated for the day - up to a point: the out of town day trips are often used to catch up on sleep - while as a tour director you have to make people feel welcome and wanted. Things like making sure the middle door of the coach is opened whenever possible and being there to help them off, knowing how to operate a company phone card, organise seat rotation, remain cheerful at all times of day (and night) are what make an extended tour successful.

Basically, being a good asset to the company you work for is the basis of tour directing, while being a good asset to the profession is the basis of guiding.