The End of Trust

Wish I could say I'm surprised. But regular readers know that I'm not.

Sadly, not at all surprised that a small hotel group in Ireland would appear to have been caught red-handed conspiring to write fake reviews. Reviews meant to bury a slew of bad reviews.

No, it's not that I know the hotel group in question. I don't.

But I have seen this game before, all too often. It's a problem that goes far beyond a few bad apples.

Sure, now they're saying it was all one big misunderstanding. But the thing is, it always is. A big misunderstanding.

The correct understanding being, of course, that travelers who are reading reviews on an online review site that promotes itself as a purveyor of real reviews by real travelers are actually from real travelers. Real travelers who are not investors in the inn, not family members of the inn owner, not other innkeepers with whom ethically challenged innkeepers trade reviews for fun and profit.

Okay, so TA no longer claim they're trustworthy reviews. Because, you know, they're not.

But by the same token, how can they claim that they're even real or honest reviews? How can they say who wrote them or what interest they may have?

There are just too many instances of reviews written exactly as the internal memo exposed in the Irish Times sets forth. By employees - or managers or investors or friends and family members of the owner - pretending that they're just ordinary paying guests. When they're not.

I know, I know. It's tough out there. Folks slam inns for all the wrong reasons. One bad review can have severe and lasting impact, especially for a small inn. Trust me, I understand all too well the damage that can be done by malicious folks determined to cause harm. I know it hurts.

But my refrain is the same as it's always been. When you post fake reviews or allow others to fake post reviews on your behalf, you're part of the problem now. Because you are now enticing guests to stay at your property based on a fraudulent assertion.

Sorry but that is just not cool by any standard.

Guests put a great deal of trust in innkeepers who are expected to respect their right to privacy, their right to a quiet night's sleep in a clean room with a comfy bed, their right to safety, their right to get what they've been told they're going to get. That trust is something I take seriously as should any innkeeper. It's a trust that is fundamentally broken when innkeepers post fake reviews.

I have no idea how many of the reviews on TA are really fake. But the thing is, I don't think TA does either, whatever they claim to the contrary.

I know that I see obviously fake reviews almost every time I take a close look. I know that I see patterns that are hard to ignore, unless that ignorance is willful. And it's that willful ignorance that is so damning.

So call me unsurprised by a regulatory order in the UK that TA must refrain from advertising that their reviews are from "real travellers, or were honest, real or trusted."

Because, you know, too many times they're just not.

850 Billion?

That's a pretty big number, alright, but it's still the projected dollar impact of easing tourist visa requirements for some countries, Brazil and China in particular. And it's a number that surely should inspire innkeepers to put those thinking caps on.

Who wants those dollars, besides innkeepers themselves? Retail.

Many of the regular readers of this humble blog are in rural areas, so the idea that retail will get a big boost may seem a bit of a stretch.

But for folks in the big shopping cities - NY, San Francisco, Chicago - it's not a stretch at all. It's something to get excited about.

Many, many tourists do shop til they drop on visits to the states. Even cities like Washington, DC and Atlanta witness the frenzied shopping of many of the travelers from abroad. If they're paying attention, that is.

What's smart about what the retailers are doing? They're already planning - and executing - advertising campaigns in Brazil and China. Very smart.

And how about you, dear readers? Not promoting your inn in Brazil, China, and other countries to be impacted by anticipated change in regulations?

Why not?

If you've ever traveled to another country yourself, you know the value of a personal connection to ease the cultural shock. No one does that better than innkeepers, especially innkeepers of small inns known for providing the personal touch.

850 Billion. Don't know if I quite believe that big number is real or not. But I do know that the dollars spent by tourists from those countries will be one very big number indeed.

Folks, don't let those dollars only go to the fat cats. The time for campaign planning is now.

What Are You Waiting For?

Still no rain in sight. Perfect hiking weather. Glorious kayaking weather.

If you're not in California, don't you think it's time you thought about doing something about that?

Welcome Back

Mill Valley feels whole again with the long-awaited return of the Sweetwater.



Welcome home. Everyone here missed you.

A Festival of Your Own

LUNAFEST 2011/2012 Trailer from Clif Bar & Company on Vimeo.

Many innkeepers have large spaces set aside for weddings and other special events, all waiting to be booked and utilized.

But why wait? Sure, you say, you're working away trying to fill those spaces with events.

But why not create your own event?

Many innkeepers create their own workshops as a means to fill guest rooms during slow periods as well as to utilize their own skills as much as their own spaces.

Even more innkeepers generously make their space available to community groups as meeting space.

But if you want to do more, to get involved in your own community and to give back at the same time, here's a unique idea from the great folks at LUNAFEST.

LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival, a festival that's all about women. Films for women, films by women. And a festival that gives back, providing a unique opportunity to raise money for your groups in your own community and to the Breast Cancer Fund.

Don't think you know how to pull it all off? No worries. LUNAFEST provides plenty of support with a "Behind the Scenes" event planning system to guide you through the whole process.

Take a Hike Already

Clear skies, sunshine.

Waterfalls flowing.

Forests lit with magic.

Whale pods swimming close to shore.

Beaches practically empty.

Hard to imagine a more perfect day for a winter hike.

Almost as though nature conspired to create this one magic day just for you.

What exactly are you people doing still inside?

Without Limit

The Year of the Dragon is already being celebrated in communities around the world as yesterday marked the first day of the fifteen-day Lunar New Year Festival.

If you've never been to San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade, well, you really must. It's a celebration filled with wonder with a weekend long streetfair that spills well into the evening hours with a dazzling parade that's sure to amaze and impress.

And the good news is you've still got plenty of time.

This year's parade, to welcome the Year of the Dragon, will be held on February 11th.

Raging

Over eight inches of rain poured from the sky this weekend, making it an optimal weekend for eating cookies by the fire. Here, of course, we took full advantage of that.

Itching to get outside? Take it easy.

Cascades will be flowing. In fact, creeks and streams are raging all around in a brilliant display of nature's power.

Power that inspires stillness in all of us.

Remember that nature's raging display brings with it a reminder to be cautious.

Tree branches and limbs may still be loose from the storms. Hillsides may be significantly less stable than you think. Trails are slippery.

In short, enjoy those raging waters but remain mindful, ever mindful, of the dangers nearby.

We'd all like to see you come back at the end of the day with many stories to tell of the wonders of the day.

Go Niners Chili

One of the things that I've noticed over the years is the fact that most Americans are somewhat intimidated when it comes to cooking for the French.

On the one hand, I can understand that. The French generally have their own techniques for creating the masterful foods that are synonymous with France. On the other hand, it deprives the cook of knowing the pleasure of cooking for guests who, by their very nature, just love love love food.

Personally, I've never had that intimidation factor and that's probably why the Fabulous Frenchie and myself ever came to be. You see, while there was an initial attraction that grew over time, it was, without a doubt, the love of food that sealed our fate.

In fact, he was quite surprised to find that an American girl could not only cook but could cook well.

What many Americans don't realize is that the French are big fans of comfort food. French peasant foods are deliriously good, whether it's Boeuf Bourguignon or Tartiflette, which I don't mind telling you is one of the all time best comfort foods ever. Ever.

But the French love of food is not exclusive to their own foods. All comfort foods are good to foodlovers.

My own Fabulous Frenchie is a big fan of American meatloaf, as is the rest of his family. My mother-in-law adores my mashed potatoes. In short, when a Frenchman shows up at your door and is looking for some great food, don't spin your wheels trying to over impress. Just serve up your best comfort food and you'll probably be amazed at the positive reaction you'll receive.

So it's no surprise that when it's football time, there's an ongoing request around here for Chili. Any kind of chili will do. Often I'll make a black bean chili that's all veggie or a red bean chili that's made super hot with an assortment of fresh peppers and the secret addition of Andouille sausage.

Today, though, it's a day that's all about the Forty Niners as the latest rain storm has brought almost everyone indoors. And given the special blend of cultures that have melded to make San Francisco the brilliant city that it is, it only seems right that Niners Chili would also be a blend. So today's chili contains red beans and black beans, just enough jalapenos for a slight pep, organic grass-fed beef, and freshly canned end of season tomatoes.

I use dried beans a lot in winter, not only because the idea of canned foods makes me nervous but also because dried beans are significantly less expensive. Some dried bean tips:

Always, always sort and clean well.

Never cook the beans in the same water they've soaked in.

In fact, you'll notice from this recipe that I not only drain the beans and start with fresh water to cook them, I also drain them again and start with fresh water again after the beans have come to their first boil. This produces a firm but tender bean and keeps any potential field dust out of the finished dish.

What to do with all that water? Save it to feed it to your garden, of course.

So here it is, the easy peasy recipe that's sure to please even the most discriminating palate:

1 1/2 cups dried red beans, soaked overnight
1 1/2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
1 lb lean, organic grass fed ground beef
2 small or 1 large jalapeno, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
8 tomatoes, peeled, and cored (or 24 oz canned tomatoes)
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 heavy handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Drain beans. Bring beans to a boil in fresh filtered water, turn off heat and cover. Let sit for 30 minutes then drain again. Return to pot, add fresh filtered water and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.

Meanwhile, brown ground beef in large deep iron skillet with onions, peppers, and garlic. Once beef has caramelized, add cumin and ground red pepper. Simmer 15 minutes then add tomatoes and cilantro. Add cooked beans and their broth to the ground beef mix.

Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with sour cream, grated cheese, and Tabasco sauce.

And GO NINERS!

Everything's Coming Up Cookies

Winter rains are finally here to much rejoicing.

Of course, folks driving the roads are not rejoicing all that much.

But those of us inside, safe and warm, with our plates full of cookies?

Bring it on. We're ready for the waterfalls to begin.

Excellent News

In case you haven't heard just yet, Obama announced an executive order that will streamline visa requirements and reduce associated costs for some international visitors.

Of course, since Brazil is one of the countries that has reciprocated our own shoot-yourself-in-the-foot fees and requirements, it's not surprising that Brazil is one of the countries specifically addressed in the executive order. As we can expect fewer European tourists in 2012, a jump in visitors from China and Brazil would be quite welcome.

Seems playing hardball has a way of catching folks attention. In fact, love the reciprocal recognition language in the executive order itself as that will impact other countries besides China and Brazil.

After all, it's only fair to play by the same rules.

Congratulations UNWTO. Looks like you got through to someone.

Good news all around.

On Its Way

A wee bit on the late side but winter is, finally, arriving in Northern California.

Temps have taken a definite dip. Rains coming in and looking to stick around for a few days.

If you're out and about, bundle up. And drive safely. Things will be slippery out there.

If you're inside with a bowl of soup and a plateful of cookies, well, it's just more proof that we are, indeed, kindred spirits.

One Billion

That's the magic threshold of tourist arrivals UNWTO projects to be reached in 2012.

Glad to see the report does include some mention of the fact that Europe's growth last winter was impacted by the loss of tourism in North Africa and the Middle East. With their graph telling that story better than the report itself, it would have been hard to ignore altogether.

Personally, I believe the impact of that shift was quite strong and not "partially responsible" for Europe's small increase last year. Again, the UNWTO graphs tell the real story.

Do I think that will repeat itself this year? Yes, I think it will continue to be hard for countries like Tunisia and Morocco to bring tourists back to the beach, despite their best efforts.

This year, of course, we'll see more folks decide to stay on dry ground rather than board cruises. We'll also see fewer travelers from Europe to the states as the exchange rate reaches a balance it hasn't seen in some time. Europe will see more American travelers for the same reason.

What does UNWTO recommend? Government facilitation of travel, of course.

Sadly, I see little chance of that happening here in the states, despite our lower than average numbers last year. We are still making potential tourists jump through too many hoops and pay too many fees, despite the need to go in the opposite direction.

Of course, other countries are being none too shy about reciprocating in kind.

In The End

"we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is a day that serves as a reminder to all of us of the power of our own voices.

And our responsibility to use those voices to speak up against injustice, to break down barriers, to confront hatred with love, lies with truth.

Whatever you're doing to commemorate Martin Luther King today, it is my great hope that you do not do so silently.

If Only I Believed In Miracles

I believe in magic and all things unexpected. I believe in the power of one person to change the course of history. One person.

And yet even I cannot see a good end for the spiraling mess Europe's failed leaders have created.

Even I used to believe that there was a possibility - even a probability - that the European Union would out-survive its fatal experiment with common currency.

What do I think today? I think that the dream of a unified Europe will fade as quickly as the hopes of Europeans in their future.

As the full brunt of foolish austerity measures hit closer and closer to home, scapegoating will escalate to closing off communication altogether. The long road is, sadly, going in the wrong direction altogether.

All signs point to a less harmonious union and, finally, to no union at all, unless an altogether different direction is taken.

What a shame.

And those euro? Sure, they'll devalue pretty quickly. But think of what a collector's item they'll be one day.

And for a short while, the exchange rate will cause some increases here and there in tourism.

For a short while. Folks like to think that they'll be able to get basics like, you know, aspirin when they're away from home.

My advice for folks who want to see Europe in its harmonious and unified form. Go quickly. It won't last long.

Lucky Day

It's no secret around here that I'm a tad superstitious. I have days I believe are lucky for me and days that have seemed to me to be cursed.

But Friday the 13th? Always been one of the lucky days on my calendar.

Can't really say just why that is but I suppose it has much to do with believing that it's lucky. So lucky it is.

Hope your day brings you many blessings and much luck, too.

In fact, if you look around in your world, I'll bet you'll see signs of good luck everywhere. Everywhere.

Woo Hoos All Around

Marin County visitors often look for glimpses of the many rockstars who live in its hillsides.

But, for the most part, those efforts are somewhat futile. Sure, they're there. But they're in those hillsides for a reason: they provide great privacy in addition to great beauty.

Still, every now and then, an especially alert tourist may see a somewhat familiar face walking down the street. Beyond that, well, things in Marin appear to be pretty quiet.

Gone are the days of The Ark, the softball games between the Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane, and other visible rockstar happenings.

And perhaps most sad of all, gone are the days of dropping in on a Sunday afternoon at The Sweetwater and stumbling into one of the super-famous rockstars strumming a few licks on a guitar. Or discovering someone and something new.

For the past few years, though, after a series of trials and tribulations, a group of Mill Valley locals, including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, have been working to reopen Sweetwater.

Not in its original location but in a whole new venue with a state of the art sound system linked to Weir's own live-streaming studio that is meant to encourage more big name acts to find value in playing to a tiny group of mostly locals.

Unsurprisingly, it's also all about giving something back to the community that fostered so much talent. Master classes, residencies, open mics will be as much a part of the ongoing schedule as performances by the rockstars themselves. Something for everyone.

Later this month, it finally happens with a soft opening on January 27th.

In fact, some could say it's a Grateful Dead winter in Marin with Phil Lesh also finally settling on a location for his latest venture: Terrapin Crossroads, set to open in San Rafael next month. It, too, will serve up community inclusion in a range of offerings sure to bring woo-hoos from the locals and tourists alike.

Now if we can only get moving on that long awaited (and indefinitely postponed) museum exhibit: Marin Rocks.

Um, Yes

Simple answers to simple questions, winter edition.

You'd think at some point folks would stop asking the same questions when they keep producing the same answers. And the same increasingly disastrous results.

Yes, driving people into abject poverty in Europe is the main driver of Europe's problems. People who have no money spend no money. It's a really simple formula.

No, austerity never works. Never.

And yet, despite all evidence that it doesn't work, has never worked, will never work, it's the plan all the same.

Why, you ask, do politicians keep pushing a plan that will only drive the economies of their continent into ruin?

Follow the money.

The citizens of Europe will not benefit from austerity. And as you might expect, it's not the citizens pushing this economic suicide.

By the way, have you moved your money yet?

Reputational Harm

Lordy, lordy.

Among the recent changes at TripAdvisor, we can now add to the list that they'll no longer be exploiting questionable reviews about the Dirtiest Hotels. Well, at least not in their annual PR shindig promoting the worst of the worst.

Of course, I'm sure that has nothing to do with that whole pending litigation business, just a little coinky-dinky.

No surprises there, really. Not for anyone paying attention, that is.

Even as TA continues to claim that everything is just wonderful with their reviews, their actions continue to protect their own image - and assets - as they move further and further away from promoting trustworthiness. Because, of course, there's nothing trustworthy about unverified reviews. Never was.

In fact, some innkeepers might suggest that instead of being promoted as trustworthy, they should be issued with a traveler-beware caveat.

But as long as there's money to be made, those reviews will continue to flow, caveat-free.

And I suppose I shouldn't be at all surprised that the insurance industry has decided that there's money to be made from the whole he-said-she-said game.

Folks, we've moved a step beyond the "reputation management" services of companies who specialize in writing boiler plate fake reviews and onto a whole new money-making venture.

Yes, just in case you missed it over the holidays, it's finally happened. Lloyds of London is now offering Reputational Harm insurance. I kid you not.

Haven't gotten your policy yet? Not to worry. As long as innkeepers can incur needless suffering from unfair online attacks, there will be no shortage of folks standing in line to make money off of it.

Some might say it was bound to happen. The whole ugly game has now officially gone systemic.

Readily Achievable

Only 2 months until the new ADA regulations kick in.

If you're not absolutely certain your inn's facilities are in compliance, this would be a good time to look into the new regulations.

Especially since there's no grandfathering this time around and the readily achievable standard will apply.

The good folks at Hotel Law Blog have, as usual, lots of useful information to steer you in the right direction.

And, of course, the ultimate site for information on ADA rules is the Department of Justice's own ADA section, with highlights of changes to Title III of special interest to innkeepers.

People Can and Do

Co-operatives are the way it's done.

2012 is the International Year of Cooperatives.

Isn't it time you got involved in something bigger than yourself, something that's about meeting human need, not human greed?

Build a better world. Build a co-op.

Except Positive Vibrations

Surf's up in Bo but visitors are well advised to heed the advice of locals: be respectful of the town, be especially respectful of the difficulty boaters face on days like this, and leave no trace.

Positive vibrations, of course, excepted.

If you can manage all that, you'll be welcome in Bolinas.

But no, I'm still not giving out directions, not to Bo.

After all, respecting local traditions is rule one.

Happy weekend all.

And don't forget: tomorrow's Christmas. All over again.

Have a good one.

Wild West Treasure

Heartfelt congratulations go out to the ever wonderful West Point Inn, recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

A true treasure known to hikers for over a century now, the simple and well hidden inn retains its charm as a refuge from the world.

If you're looking for a bed and breakfast or similarly pampered experience, be forewarned that this is not the place for you.

A hike-in inn described as truly rustic, its guest rooms and cabins have no heat or electricity. Or linens for that matter. Nights on Mt Tam can be cold so a warm sleeping bag is a good idea.

There's gas lighting in the public areas for a few hours in the evening but guests are required to bring their own flash lights to maneuver the hallways or for use in their room or cabin.

No breakfast either, unless you count the monthly fundraising Pancake Breakfasts which are always a big hit in the warmer months.

All that said, the views are sublime and the overall experience provides a unique reward for hikers of the glorious trails around Mt Tam.

An added bonus: if you find the constant chatter of cell phones and the life-distracting activities of texting to be annoying, you'll love the West Point Inn. No phone, no cell coverage, no distractions.

Just nature. And a treasure of a place.

You and I Both Know What This Means

Yes, beach day.

Still no rain in sight, warm temps, not much wind.

Work? Oh yes, there's that pile that will still be here when I get back, long after the last light has dropped from sight.

I'm pretty sure it's not going anywhere in the meantime.

But me? Already gone.

Move Your Money

Regular readers know I'm a big supporter of the Buy Local movement. Not only because small inns are inextricably linked to the small businesses in their community. And not only because it's just good business to support your neighbors.

No, it's also because buying local is the best way to support jobs in your community.

So when I've supported the initiatives to move money from the fat cat banks into smaller community or regional banks or credit unions, some folks have assumed that my reasons were the same. That it's all part of Buy Local.

And, to a certain extent, it is. For all the same reasons. Keeping local money as close to home as possible encourages your community to thrive.

But it's also because I believe the big banks have become hornets nests of manipulation and, for the most part, are not fulfilling their duties to the communities in which they work.

Sure, they'll cough up a few thousand here and there to sponsor local events. Cheap advertising is not exactly the same thing as supporting small businesses. That support is shown in small business lending which is woefully inadequate in most big banks.

But when they start really trying to force small businesses to either default or pay higher rates on credit lines that are the only lifelines many of them have?

Well, folks, it's time to move your money.

Happy Days

When my great-grandfather lost every dime that he had in the stock market crash of 1929, he was determined to change the course of his family's sudden change in fate.

He did not give up. He worked harder. He had always been a hard-working man, a Police Commissioner, a fine upstanding community man. But suddenly he swung into high gear, feeling lucky that at least he still had work. Every waking hour that wasn't spent working was spent building a new beach house for his family. With his own hands, he built a refuge at the beach.

He fittingly called it Happy Days, representing as it did his refusal to accept that along with all that money that had suddenly evaporated, so had that planned retirement of leisure. That dream of the future.

So I understand, really and truly understand, the need for folks to believe that Happy Days Are Here Again. Even though, you know, they're not.

My great grandfather never recovered his money.

His family enjoyed many grand times at Happy Days. It came to represent, to them, to my grandparents, to my mother, to my aunts, uncles, and cousins, a different life. A different future. Simpler times.

My great grandfather? One afternoon after yet another hard day's work, he drove the long drive out to the beach to join the family. It was rather unheard of in those days for anyone to think of commuting to the city from the beach.

But he did it, unable as he was to accept that happy days were not going to be here again in his lifetime. That last afternoon was too much for him, or maybe it was the accumulation of it all being too much for him. He collapsed and took his last breath just as his car reached the driveway.

Some folks will hold onto their illusions to the very end.

What he left my family was something to cherish. Happy days, indeed, at the seashore, away from the troubles of the day. Crabs to catch, shrimp to seine, fish to fry, music and dance, shells to be found.

But his illusions? They left with him. And like our more recent housing bubble and the good times of wild unchecked spending, not coming back.

As for me, I dream of days at the beach, days at Happy Days, talks with my grandmother, smiles from my grandfather, wiggling my toes in the sand. I am ever grateful for each of those dreams.

But I live my life in the waking world, not the world of dreams. As do we all.

Luck Fortune and Romance

Only good things will await you if you just start your New Year's Day off right. At least that's what I was always told.

Growing up, I believed with all my heart that if I ate my Collard Greens on New Year's Day, I would attract wealth in the coming year. Green for the greenbacks our family cook would always remind me. Got to eat 'em. No two ways about it.

And, of course, I'd need to eat almost all of my Hoppin' John to ensure a year full of luck.

I admit that as a child I was not exactly enamored of either food but ate them I did. Who wants an unlucky year?

Cornbread? Well, of course. Got to have some gold on the plate, don't you? Besides, who doesn't love corn bread, especially when it's accompanying a serving of ham, some Hoppin' John, and well-cooked Collard Greens.

Today? Well, there's not a New Year's Day that goes by that I don't stick to the same tradition, no matter where in the world I may be on the day of renewal.

The funny thing is that, these days, I actually love the taste of Hoppin' John. And living as I do in an area with an abundance of organic greens, well, the collard greens just taste as good as any food could possibly taste. Love them.

My dad always cooked the Hoppin' John in our house and in his version, the field peas and rice were cooked together, in the ham hock broth the beans had been simmering in all morning. I'm not sure if that was really his mother's recipe or just his interpretation of it.

Me? I prepare them separately then toss them all together at the end, with a nice heavy hand of olive oil and peppers added to the mix. I like each of the grains of rice to glisten, reminding me of the glistening future ahead of me. Even as a traditionalist when it comes to food, I find that I have put my own touch on this tradition over time.

Why no recipe? Well, here's the thing. If you didn't soak your beans last night, it's already too late to think of preparing Hoppin' John. But don't worry. I always cook an extra big batch. After all, Hoppin' John and Collard Greens are meant to be shared, just like the luck they'll no doubt bring.

But I'm sure you have some traditions of your own to ensure a future of luck, fortune, and romance.

After all, the real secret is in the believing.

Of course, the black eyed peas here are cooking away, all the same. Because, you know, I do believe.

In luck. And the power of the bean.