Dear Holiday,

Attentive, playful, trustworthy, encouraging, dynamic and reliable are the words which describe the guides on my most recent whitewater trip down Cataract Canyon. I commend you for selecting a combination of men whose chemistry with each other and with the guests helped to make this trip the most fun-packed voyage I've had in my fifteen years of whitewater rafting...three of them with Holiday.

As trip leader, Alan Eldridge commanded the team with a calm expertise that demonstrated self-confidence. H was considerate of the guests and always acted with caring and candor. He worked hard to earn our trust...and we gave it to him. His gentle teasing was always welcomed and encouraged...he sensed that we enjoyed it and he capitalized on it. He gave us the feeling that he was taking care of us...that we were special...what a nice feeling.'

Chris Romero was always full of surprises...a modern day Peter Pan! (And I mean this in the kindest way). His quick wit turned every meal into a dinner theater and every hike into Steven Spielberg adventure. What a surprise when I saw yet another dimension to Chris's personality! He responded quickly, professionally and with compassion to a minor medical emergency.

Kevin Seale was capable and strong. He was alert at all times to the needs of guests and went out of his way to meet our requirements. He was a good sport...tolerating bizarre river conversations and joining in with a few topics of his own!

While on the river, the cobwebs are cleared and a sense of calm overtakes me. The hearty laughter heals the soul and revitalizes my spirit. My rafting buddies and I share indescribable experiences that keep the thread of our friendship strong in spite of the years that pass between our river trips. For six days, time stands still.

When I return however, I am gripped with melancholy. It's hard to leave the river, the good friends and the strangers who have become a part of a wonderful memory. It's perplexing: How can things we love the most cause us the greatest sadness?'

After all these years I will probably never find the answer to this question but there is one thing I'm certain of: Alan, Chris, Kevin, and all the Holiday staff who work behind the scenes, made this memory one of the best. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kathleen C. David
Sales Performance Specialist
Learning International