Record heat has invaded the bay area and the old style barracks we are housed in have yet to receive an upgrade to air conditioning; not even a window unit. Last night it was 82 degrees in our end of the barracks when I went to bed around 10. Today the heat really rolled in and we were well into the 90’s by our lunch break (inside the barracks).
With these extreme conditions we approached our instructors who are staying in better on post housing that is air conditioned. They tried to get the 6 of us who don’t live locally into their housing; however, it was totally full so instead they stamped our orders with a “statement of non-availability.” That sought after stamp set us free to pursue housing on the local market at the per diem rate.
I have just settled into the lap of luxury between the Silicon Valley and Napa Valley. I took one last glance at the thermostat as I was walking out of the barracks at 8:00 pm; 92 degrees!!
like being in afganistan all over again…
only it’s not
Comment by Zintradi — May 15, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Wouldn’t you know you’d hit the rare heat wave in the Bay Area. I believe it was Samuel Clements who said the coldest winter he ever spent was summer in San Franscisco… or somthing to that effect.
Comment by Susan — May 15, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
I know; I packed all my long sleeve shirts, brought my coat (both civilian and military); I was prepared to freeze. I am sure my actions of preparedness have caused the entire Bay area to suffer. Sorry
Comment by Joel — May 15, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
Wish I’d known you were looking! I work for Marriott and I could have searched around for a discount rate for you! Oh well - if they were paying no big deal right?
This heat is AWFUL. Yesterday it was 103 where I am .. it was 90 degrees at 9am. Awful! Glad your enjoying your stay though. I’m always so sad when I go into the city and drive through the presidio. My grandpa was stationed there and it’s just so different since they closed the base.
Comment by Tara — May 16, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
I ended up at a Marriott after all; racking up some serious points here. Everyone was the same price for the military rate; but you are right we get reimbursed as long as they honor the local per diem rate. The nice thing about this Marriott is they have a free hot breakfast with the military rate…can’t beat that!
Comment by Joel — May 18, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
No you can’t beat that! I had a phone interview today for my first General Manager position for a Marriott (small) in Montana. Ahhh - nerve racking but it would be so nice to get a fat raise and get this debt paid off before getting married in October!
Anyway, the offer stands if you or you, Amy and the family ever need a get away at a budget friendly price. I can’t always get my rate but I can always try!
Comment by Tara — May 19, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
This has been the craziest trip; this morning the water main broke and we have had no water at the hotel all day long. Just found out they won’t have the water back on until tomorrow at 1:00 pm; I will be half way back to Missouri by then.
They were very apologetic and gave me 10,000 points and a free nights stay tonight. I am heading back to the barracks for one last shower over there. Crazy how all this happened on one trip!!
Comment by Joel — May 19, 2008 @ 11:01 pm