Sebel Reef House, Palm Cove
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
You know what everyone's going to think, don't you, Liz? They're going to think this whole thing is a put-on, and that you and I are behind it. You see what's happened now.... you and I have suddenly changed places! I am the one suddenly using intemperate language and calling a spade a bloody shovel, in the best LizF style (I quote from a previous LizF post: "you can all just get stuffed!") and YOU are the one pouring oil and urging tolerance and good-will to all men (even ones that stand 6 foot eight)! This must be especially confusing to the Welshmen in our ranks, who, as you know, are simple souls who don't handle metal gear changes too smoothly, if you know what I mean.
I guess I'm so "down" on andrews98682 because I am convinced I have run into him before, and I never quite got over the experience. It was in a tiny cafe out the back of Rome in 1982. We used to go there every night, as it was a family-run affair and they had a three-year-old playing around the tables, and we had a four-year-old with us. No one spoke a word of English, but they were lovely to us... Mum waiting on the tables, Dad cooking, Grandma cleaning up, toddler playing around our legs. Well, one day, while we were eating, in walked andrews98682 with his three friends. He did all the ordering. "I want a hamburger," he demanded. Mum didn't know what he was talking about, and held up the blackboarded menu which showed the day's fare. He wasn't having any of this. "No, no. no, a hamburger. Hamburger! Don't you know what a hamburger is?" His voice is now strident and pitched as if explaining something to a mental defective. More pointing to the blackboard. "Look, let me explain. A hamburger. It's ground beef, see? Ground beef. It has onion in it. It's made into a patty. Like this (demonstrating with his hands). A patty. See?"
Suddenly a bolt of understanding from hapless Mum. The magic word: patti. The menu listed "prima patti" and "secundo patti". She eagerly pointed to "secundo patti", which was, I think, crumbed veal that night. "Oh, good, at last!" replied andrews98682, turning to his friends with an air of someone who has scored a great victory. "You see, you just have to make these people understand what you want." Mum retreated into the kitchen to serve up the veal, or whatever. andrews98682, eager to show that he was still on top of the situation, then turned to his friends and said, "If she brings that without ketchup on it, I'm sending it right back!" My wife restrained me from throwing my plate, and we left. I never did find out if he got ketchup on his veal.
That was twenty-two years ago, but I'm convinced that it was the same guy, as that one stood exactly six-foot-eight, with appendage.
I guess I'm so "down" on andrews98682 because I am convinced I have run into him before, and I never quite got over the experience. It was in a tiny cafe out the back of Rome in 1982. We used to go there every night, as it was a family-run affair and they had a three-year-old playing around the tables, and we had a four-year-old with us. No one spoke a word of English, but they were lovely to us... Mum waiting on the tables, Dad cooking, Grandma cleaning up, toddler playing around our legs. Well, one day, while we were eating, in walked andrews98682 with his three friends. He did all the ordering. "I want a hamburger," he demanded. Mum didn't know what he was talking about, and held up the blackboarded menu which showed the day's fare. He wasn't having any of this. "No, no. no, a hamburger. Hamburger! Don't you know what a hamburger is?" His voice is now strident and pitched as if explaining something to a mental defective. More pointing to the blackboard. "Look, let me explain. A hamburger. It's ground beef, see? Ground beef. It has onion in it. It's made into a patty. Like this (demonstrating with his hands). A patty. See?"
Suddenly a bolt of understanding from hapless Mum. The magic word: patti. The menu listed "prima patti" and "secundo patti". She eagerly pointed to "secundo patti", which was, I think, crumbed veal that night. "Oh, good, at last!" replied andrews98682, turning to his friends with an air of someone who has scored a great victory. "You see, you just have to make these people understand what you want." Mum retreated into the kitchen to serve up the veal, or whatever. andrews98682, eager to show that he was still on top of the situation, then turned to his friends and said, "If she brings that without ketchup on it, I'm sending it right back!" My wife restrained me from throwing my plate, and we left. I never did find out if he got ketchup on his veal.
That was twenty-two years ago, but I'm convinced that it was the same guy, as that one stood exactly six-foot-eight, with appendage.
#22
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 1,637
I guess I have to toss a dispursion toward Alan. Alan, you must be loosing your mind: If you can confuse me , at 5'-7" w/ a 6'-8' anglo chinese gentleman, esp. after we had a drink in Mt Victoria, something's not hitting on all cylinders.
Would someone send him up to Lilybank for some much needed R&R.
Pat, please send my best to Phoebe and ask her if she can deliver that soft shell crab to 87505
A/D
Would someone send him up to Lilybank for some much needed R&R.
Pat, please send my best to Phoebe and ask her if she can deliver that soft shell crab to 87505
A/D
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 445
I love this. Alan - you're hysterical (I mean hysterical funny) and you're giving me a good laugh while I'm sitting at my desk. Your story about the Rome restaurant reminds me of a similar scenario in Nepal. We were eating a restaurant called KC's in Kathmandu. The restaurant was very busy and meals were just arriving at tables as they were ready, so I might get my entree course well before my partner got his. Nobody was minding this, not the Germans or the Brits or the Swedes or the Israelies or anyone else until a couple of andrews98682 arrived. The male ordered his meal in a very loud voice as if speaking to partly deaf person and then did the same for his companion "she'll have the yak steak" or whatever. They then proceeded to have a conversation that tne entire restaurant had to listen to whether they liked it or not, most of it complaining about everything there was to do with Nepal. When, as had been the situation all evening, his meal arrived before his partners, he said "where's hers?" The waiter explained that "hers" would be ready in 10 minutes. Well, that's not good enough, you'll just take mine back. No no said the waiter, please eat. No, he said, you'll take this back and when "hers" is ready you can heat mine in the microwave, don't think to bring it to the table cold. The poor waiter tried to explain that he had no such thing as a microwave. Well then you can take this one back and make me another when "hers" is ready. The great thing about this was at that moment one of the Brits actually went over to that American's table and said. "You know mate, I don't know why you even bother to travel. Why don't you just stay in your own country and save us all the pain of having to listen to you". Everyone else in the restaurant clapped him. The Andrews98682 got up and walked out.
#24
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,283
Hello All,
It seems some of the regulars on this Board had the same reaction as I did!
First off, I was shocked to read such a bad review of a property that I love...egads, I thought, can it have gone downhill so fast? And, I've met various members of the staff, including the manager who were more than helpful in my opinion.
Then as I read further I thought...."oh nooooo, I've had this type of client before"! Reminded me of a woman I had years ago on a cruise and I had other clients 4 staterooms away from hers; she came back and complained about EVERYTHING...her cabin was noisy, food was terrible, etc; while the other couple had a lovely time. Hmmm...she was the sort of person who isn't happy unless they're complaining about something! You could almost feel sorry for them as they must never enjoy anything.
Then I read everyone else's post and wondered why Alan hadn't included me in his list of "nice posters" to the board. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight...
And lastly, I wondered if this is a legitimate post or one of those people who routinely post something outrageous to get a rise out of people! But then, I probably just thought that because I'm "only" 5'4" and am obviously suffering from some sort of vertically challenged envy.
Regards,
Melodie
It seems some of the regulars on this Board had the same reaction as I did!
First off, I was shocked to read such a bad review of a property that I love...egads, I thought, can it have gone downhill so fast? And, I've met various members of the staff, including the manager who were more than helpful in my opinion.
Then as I read further I thought...."oh nooooo, I've had this type of client before"! Reminded me of a woman I had years ago on a cruise and I had other clients 4 staterooms away from hers; she came back and complained about EVERYTHING...her cabin was noisy, food was terrible, etc; while the other couple had a lovely time. Hmmm...she was the sort of person who isn't happy unless they're complaining about something! You could almost feel sorry for them as they must never enjoy anything.
Then I read everyone else's post and wondered why Alan hadn't included me in his list of "nice posters" to the board. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight...
And lastly, I wondered if this is a legitimate post or one of those people who routinely post something outrageous to get a rise out of people! But then, I probably just thought that because I'm "only" 5'4" and am obviously suffering from some sort of vertically challenged envy.
Regards,
Melodie
#26
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,085
Hi everyone,
I am not sure exactly what Alan means by
"This must be especially confusing to the Welshmen in our ranks, who, as you know, are simple souls who don't handle metal gear changes too smoothly, if you know what I mean".
Now as far as I know I speak English reasonably well,I even know one or two Welsh words ( mostly swear words) (and I am 6ft tall) but I cannot for the life of me figure out what he is suggesting ;-)
However it was whilst watching a trailer for a documentary on TV this week that said that the Welsh were the instigators of making America what it is today. That I began to realise Andrews98682 problem.
The very early leaders and in fact several Presidents of America were Welsh.
Once I had seen this It was clear immediately that the manner and attitude of andrews98682 is my fault.
Well not specifically mine personally but my forefathers fault, apparently they created the America that we know today.
I then began to consider all the bad and good that the Welsh have given the world, firstly and unknown to me America, Tom Jones and his stage full of womens nickers, Shirley Bassey and her quivering bottom lip, Bob Hope, Zeta Jones and her great bicycle stand. Even the great Elvis had roots here. A desperately sad rugby side an equally bad soccer side, a great cricket team in Glamorgan, (who incidently have won the one day league title, almost promoted in the championship we will see Friday and semi finalists in the 20 20 game.)
All this success and only 2 players making it in to the England side ! (which is a contradiction in terms too.)
Even Kylie has roots here !
Regarding the English language,
I don't know for sure but I guess that the mother tongue went to Australia with Englands finest, and subsequently it got a bit distorted over the years.
Which probably explains why the more I read this thread the more confused I get.
So Alan you are spot on.
I am off to learn a few more Welsh words to confuse me even more.
Please continue Andrews98682 bashing, as he probably deserves it.
;-)
Muck
I am not sure exactly what Alan means by
"This must be especially confusing to the Welshmen in our ranks, who, as you know, are simple souls who don't handle metal gear changes too smoothly, if you know what I mean".
Now as far as I know I speak English reasonably well,I even know one or two Welsh words ( mostly swear words) (and I am 6ft tall) but I cannot for the life of me figure out what he is suggesting ;-)
However it was whilst watching a trailer for a documentary on TV this week that said that the Welsh were the instigators of making America what it is today. That I began to realise Andrews98682 problem.
The very early leaders and in fact several Presidents of America were Welsh.
Once I had seen this It was clear immediately that the manner and attitude of andrews98682 is my fault.
Well not specifically mine personally but my forefathers fault, apparently they created the America that we know today.
I then began to consider all the bad and good that the Welsh have given the world, firstly and unknown to me America, Tom Jones and his stage full of womens nickers, Shirley Bassey and her quivering bottom lip, Bob Hope, Zeta Jones and her great bicycle stand. Even the great Elvis had roots here. A desperately sad rugby side an equally bad soccer side, a great cricket team in Glamorgan, (who incidently have won the one day league title, almost promoted in the championship we will see Friday and semi finalists in the 20 20 game.)
All this success and only 2 players making it in to the England side ! (which is a contradiction in terms too.)
Even Kylie has roots here !
Regarding the English language,
I don't know for sure but I guess that the mother tongue went to Australia with Englands finest, and subsequently it got a bit distorted over the years.
Which probably explains why the more I read this thread the more confused I get.
So Alan you are spot on.
I am off to learn a few more Welsh words to confuse me even more.
Please continue Andrews98682 bashing, as he probably deserves it.
;-)
Muck
#27
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Melodie (by the way, how is Aussie Assist?), Mucky, Danielle, Liz.... you are all making my day. This thread is now the most entertaining 'read' in town.... leaves the Readers' Digest for dead! I'm tempted now to tell you all the story of my encounter with andrews98682 in the tourist office opposite the main rail station in Amsterdam, and his irate set of questions to the lovely young thing behind the counter there, the opener of which was "How do I get to Holland?".... but I am really starting to feel just a little sorry for andrews98682, as he must be aghast, if he's still reading this (and I'll bet he is!) at the hornet's nest he has unwittingly stirred up. Really, we all owe him a vote of thanks; nothing brings people closer together than the opportunity to unite against a common foe. And andrews98682 is about as common a foe as you could find on a forum of "travel-amateurs" (I threw that bit in just for Melodie). So, andrews98682, be of good cheer... you've done us all a service and brought us a little closer together.
#29
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,085
No don't thank Andrew (victor meldrew) just yet, that is so final.
There is plenty more mileage here I am sure.
I am really glad he didn't stay at the Oasis in Palm cove, we actually had insects on our balcony and a few of the perishers got inside. Andrew would surely have insisted on something for free as compensation. And David (who ran the place ) would probably have compensated him with a loud p*** off you miserable git.
lol
Muck
There is plenty more mileage here I am sure.
I am really glad he didn't stay at the Oasis in Palm cove, we actually had insects on our balcony and a few of the perishers got inside. Andrew would surely have insisted on something for free as compensation. And David (who ran the place ) would probably have compensated him with a loud p*** off you miserable git.
lol
Muck
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Andrews98682 is really Andrew Seligman and as O'brien says he has posted on the Frommers site BUT the poor b.....d has got all of our replies cut and pasted to his rant as I have just been there and done that! Yuk! yuk! yuk!
Now I am going to hunt him down and see if Mr Big does live in Vancouver Washington USA. I will return!
Now I am going to hunt him down and see if Mr Big does live in Vancouver Washington USA. I will return!
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
I just checked the Frommer's Board, after reading O'Brien641's comment above, but before I read all these replies from Liz. Imagine the shock I got when I saw EVERYONE'S comments underneath andrews98682's tirade against the Sebel Reef! Liz, you are such a devil, even if you're not six-foot-eight!
Actually, andrews98682 has posted several tirades, sometimes in response to questions, against the Sebel Reef on the Frommer's Board. That chipped desk must have really hurt his feelings... he just can't leave it alone! He also didn't have anything nice to say about Cairns.... but he did enjoy the Darling Harbour Hotel he stayed in in Sydney, so I guess the holiday wasn't a total loss.
I think it's time now for a droll joke.... everyone here today has to ring Pat Woolford and book a room with her, and when she asks for our names, we should all identify ourselves as Andrew Seligman. OK? Get going!
Actually, andrews98682 has posted several tirades, sometimes in response to questions, against the Sebel Reef on the Frommer's Board. That chipped desk must have really hurt his feelings... he just can't leave it alone! He also didn't have anything nice to say about Cairns.... but he did enjoy the Darling Harbour Hotel he stayed in in Sydney, so I guess the holiday wasn't a total loss.
I think it's time now for a droll joke.... everyone here today has to ring Pat Woolford and book a room with her, and when she asks for our names, we should all identify ourselves as Andrew Seligman. OK? Get going!
#32
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
I notice that one of Liz's posts has been deleted.... same thing happened to me with the very FIRST post I wrote on this thread, so I rewrote it and "toned it down" a little bit (but not much!). I have forgotten what Liz put in the offending post, but maybe the administrator can enlighten us on what gets deleted and what doesn't.
#34
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,922
Permit me to inject another note, folks. OK, andrews90201 (or whoever) may have come across as a pain in the nether regions, but I think we should be careful not to send a message that intending visitors to these fair shores are allowed to express glowing praise about any and all things Australian. This is starting to sound reminiscent of the fate of an unwary Canadian poster who wrote a good trip report but made one fatal mistake - she included a few faintly negative notes, and was beaten to a pulp within minutes for her trouble.
andrewszipcode may have been working hard to confirm everybody's worst ugly-American prejudices, but he's entitled to put the boot into what he saw as substandard service, surely.
For my money his only mistake was to book into a 5-star hotel, which is a crass thing to do in and of itself and almost guaranteed to result in grief and tears of frustration. Sensible people pass on the stupid frills that add that extra star or two, pay a lot less and, if the place doesn't come up to scratch, can at least comfort themselves with the thought that that they're not paying the equivalent of a Wal-Mart clerk's weekly wage. (Did I use the word "crass"?)
andrewszipcode may have been working hard to confirm everybody's worst ugly-American prejudices, but he's entitled to put the boot into what he saw as substandard service, surely.
For my money his only mistake was to book into a 5-star hotel, which is a crass thing to do in and of itself and almost guaranteed to result in grief and tears of frustration. Sensible people pass on the stupid frills that add that extra star or two, pay a lot less and, if the place doesn't come up to scratch, can at least comfort themselves with the thought that that they're not paying the equivalent of a Wal-Mart clerk's weekly wage. (Did I use the word "crass"?)
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,085
Hi Neil,
There is no problem with complaining if you have a problem.
The severity of problems are naturally subjective as we have seen here with andrews49341.However there is certainly a correct manner for putting those complaints forward to the appropriate people.
It would appear that the manner used in this particular case may not have been appropriate.
Also the mere fact that a free meal (inluding a desert) would make it all acceptable really makes me want to puke.
I suspect he alianated himself from the staff and there was probably no way that they were going to help him from that point on.
I guess being an alian is not the best way to be helped.
Muck
There is no problem with complaining if you have a problem.
The severity of problems are naturally subjective as we have seen here with andrews49341.However there is certainly a correct manner for putting those complaints forward to the appropriate people.
It would appear that the manner used in this particular case may not have been appropriate.
Also the mere fact that a free meal (inluding a desert) would make it all acceptable really makes me want to puke.
I suspect he alianated himself from the staff and there was probably no way that they were going to help him from that point on.
I guess being an alian is not the best way to be helped.
Muck
#36
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,922
No problem with that, Mucky, and I agree that this guy comes across as someone you'd probably cross the road to avoid, 202 cm tall or not. All I'm saying is that we need to watch that we don't get hypersensitive to criticism and fall back into that old Australian chip-on-the-shoulder mentality.
BTW, I left out a word in a previous sentence and inserted an unnecessary one - it should have read "...we should be careful not to send a message that visitors to these fair shores are ONLY allowed to express glowing praise about any and all things Australian".
BTW, I left out a word in a previous sentence and inserted an unnecessary one - it should have read "...we should be careful not to send a message that visitors to these fair shores are ONLY allowed to express glowing praise about any and all things Australian".
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Julie
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Jun 13th, 2002 09:34 PM
