Barmaid in England

by Alison
(San Jose CA, USA)

After my high school graduation I decided to travel Western Europe for a summer before returning to start college. I toured France, Germany and Switzerland and then headed over to Scotland and England as my final stop to visit some family members I did not know well.

My first few nights in England my cousins took me out to the local pub often and I met a very handsome young man. I made up my mind to delay college and stay a little longer. I approached the owner of the pub and explained how in love with England I was and that I would love to stay a little longer. Is there anything I could do at the pub?

He took a chance on me and I unofficially became one of the staff. I was not officially employed, but I did receive a free meal and drink when I helped out. I cleaned tables, served food and hosted trivia and Karaoke nights. I was able to keep any tips I received.

Since I was dependent on tips for spending money, I went out of my way to be interesting, funny and entertaining. I'd like to think that my hosting of the trivia and Karaoke nights helped to increase the number of customers that came into the pub to spend money.

This was such a great experience and I was very lucky. I made many friends and contacts that I still keep in touch with today. One of them is sending her son to visit me in California next summer!