I'm just lazing around.
There are several souvenir shops nearby, which I go into. In one I start chatting to the shop assistant, who asks, in a friendly way, what I'm doing here. I tell her about my trip, and my recent unpleasant experiences. She becomes very indignant. She, as a native Alaskan, is very upset to hear that a stranger from half way round the world has been treated like that in her country. She won't let it rest, and starts making several calls. Finally, she advises me to make a complaint to the Alaska Professional Hunter's Association (APHA) as well to the Alaska Travel Industry Association and the INC.
She's absolutely right, and I decide to go back to my room and write the letters.
I'm not expecting to get a refund. That's not why I'm pursuing this. I only want Bob, and people who behave like him, to know that they they can't just do as they like. This diary might become a book one day, so I must avoid strong language; but there is a good Hungarian expression for it: the world does not spin in his ass! We shouldn't just bow our heads and put up with certain types of hunt organizers ruining our fun! We mustn't forget that we are the customers; the organizers -
although they sometimes act like it - are not doing us any favors! These two letters won't change what happened to me, but they might help hunters coming after me: that might sound a bit hypocritical, but it's true. Whether they will produce any results, I can't say, but that is not the point. I'm making a protest against intolerable behavior, which I hope will encourage better service for future hunters.
After venting my anger, I go off to the barber's, as my hair is getting as long as a rocker's. I tell the barber not to be afraid to use his clippers, and I end up looking a bit like a marine, which means I now have to tighten the buckle on my cap to stop it falling off.
I have a quick phone call about my lost clothes, which have still not been found.
In the evening I go and have some beers in the bar. My new favorite is Miller Lite.
I didn't use to like these light American beers, but I've rather taken to them since I've been here.
Chapter VI.: Return to Alaska
Page 41
Room 2069
Expedition Headquarters
Anchorage Hilton