Ties

By Gordon…

As the traditional ‘male’ corporate uniform reduces itself to no tie, no cuff links and, God forbid, no socks! I found myself back in a state of nostalgia of how office days used to be when a tie pin was the norm.

I am quite a traditionalist to these now deemed ‘old fashioned’ dress codes.

In my last ‘office’ job I regularly wore cuff links and had a range of groovy socks that always created a clothing conversation… usually with the female fashionistas.

Alas my influence stopped there and despite continually imploring fellow colleagues to at least wear a tie to important meetings, I had little success.

I am delighted to report the tie is not dead and this week I was given the chance to re-live my old office days.

From Tuesday to Friday the Sanon Restaurant was transformed into an ‘Accredited Hospitality Assessment Centre’. We had white table linen and some of the usual silver service trimmings.

Our students and staff from surrounding hotels spent those four days being assessed on their theory and practical restaurant service skills.

I’m thrilled to say everyone passed and will be awarded a Certificate 1 in Waiting.

The students were understandably a little nervous as the assessors invigilated a written exam and later hovered with clipboards as each candidate served two people a four course lunch.

Watching the impeccably dressed assessors check and instruct the new wave of hospitality staff was a joy to the eye.

The fact that the temperature rose to 40 degrees and everyone was damp with perspiration, these guys flew the grooming flag beautifully.

Most wore traditional longyi’s or trousers, shirts and shiny shoes with socks. I thought they looked very dapper.

I’m also thrilled to report one gentleman dressed in a three piece suit complete with vest, jacket, tie, cuff links and a tie pin.

Anyway I’m sure you are as excited as I am to know that five star corporate wear is alive and well here in this little Myanmar regional town on Nyaungu.

Sonia and I were also recruited as ‘guests’ for some of the practical assessment… so volunteering has its bonuses!