We met Andi at dinner on our first night at the hotel. He was waiting at table and told us he was a trainee and had been here for 2 months.
At breakfast this morning he offered to take our photo. Afterwards I explained my strangers' project and asked Andi if he would be in it.
He was very happy to agree and when I said I would be posting the portrait online, he said, with a big smile, "I wanna be famous."
Andi used to work in the hospitality industry at Sharm-el-Sheikh. There he learnt some Russian because many of the visitors were of that nationality. He also learnt a bit of Arabic, Italian and German.
I asked Andi if he learnt English at school in his native Romania and he said there were a few English courses but that he is mostly self-taught.
He came to Guernsey because his brother is already working here.
Andi likes drawing and painting and has drawn cartoons, and sketches for interior design as a hobby. He used to paint in oils but found he was too much of a perfectionist, someimes taking 5 or 6 hours to finish a painting.
He told me that when in Egypt, in addition to working in a hotel, he had various other jobs, including one as a snorkelling guide.
There is a very international mix of staff here at Best Western de Havelet Hotel, all with a ready smile and so efficient.
What a charming and clean cut stranger -- love the way you have captured the proud tilt of the head and the gentle smile , and an amazing story Hazel -- enjoy your Birthday stay ! :)
wow! I thought it was Sam Smith for a minute (pop singer!) You do get a lot of info about your strangers. Sounds like he's making the most of his life. Hope you're enjoying your break.
Lovely to get to know the life behind the face Hazel. I am always amazed how so many young people from the Eastern European countries learn English so well. Seems they know it is their passport to a better life.
Wonderful indeed and thank you for this portrait. And such a nice description. As a mother I couldn't be more proud to see so many people appreciating his smile or his hard working spirit. . Miss you my darling Andi.