One week into my wine adventure

I'm about a week into my wine adventure...what a trip so far.
After my 6 hour layover in Detroit, MI I flew into Pellston, MI where the airport was one single log cabin
(a legit log cabin). Thankfully I found a shuttle van that got me to Mackinaw City, MI. The driver was very helpful in sharing with me all the "local" information. A lot of nice people out here, not like LA. Mackinaw City was a ghost town, my friend and I managed to find the only 3 places open, two bars and a fudge shop. I even had to get my hotel changed because the one I booked decided not to open. Oh, and the best part, it SNOWED! I wasn't prepared for that.
Next morning, took the ferry boat over to the island, Mackinac Island, where guess what??? still snowing! Checked in with human resources at the Grand Hotel, which by the way, is quite "Grand". Found out that my housing is about a mile, uphill, from the Grand. Mind you, at the Grand is where we report for duty and eat our 3 meals a day. I'm gonna be in amazing shape when I get back. We can ride bikes, but I haven't been on a bike for quite some time and need to make some money before I can buy one. I love how this town has "bike parking lots" instead of car parking lots (theres a ban on vehicle on the island). The only time I'm ever going to be driving a motorized vehicle is tomorrow morning when I drive golf carts off a ferry boat.
My housing manager was very welcoming, I got a tour of the whole place. I have a roommate that I share a bathroom with, but I barely see her. She does play country music thank goodness!  My room is kinda bare, so I ask for people to feel free to send me anything. Already got my parents sending me stuff to make me feel more at home. I did bring a 69' Camaro model car to remind me of what I'm working for this summer ;) Funny how out of the whole place I got the room with a Mexican flag sticker on the door (haha, go figure). I even got a tour of the Grand, which is absolutely gorgeous. (what a treat!) Each room is one of a kind, very unique, lots of antiques, Victorian style. I was able to talk with one of the house keeping staff and this place is spotless clean! Lots of detail and very much traditional.
Meet ALOT of people so far, lots of international people (Jamaicans, Koreans, Thailand, etc.) Interesting names to try and remember. Haven't been working to much yet, but they say I should enjoy this time off because once the season starts up we could be working 7 days a week. Not much to do with down time right now beside spending money before making money. Checked out all the bars in town (haha) This town is so cute and tiny. Horse carriages as taxis and UPS drivers. Old buildings. Reminds me of upstate New York where the dad's side of the family is from. Looking forward to it warming up so I can do some exploring. Heard it rains, more like pours here, which I'm not prepared for. Bought a $3 umbrella, don't know how far that will get me. I was very excited to find a Christian church here, found my home while I'm out here. This past Sunday's service was in the pastor's house, never done that before.
Started training today, finally! and all I can say is "intense".  Got to start doing so push ups to be able to hold these trays LOADED with drinks across the front porch (about 660 feet), up and down stairs, and throughout the main dinning room that holds about 1200+ guest. I've learned to appreciate the work servers do. Be nice to your servers. I have to know what drinks go in what glasses, what booze goes in the drinks so I can "up sell", and garnishes to added to these drinks. Bartender is going to be my buddy. Wine service has to be formal and traditional because the guest look forward to it. This will definitely be a learning experience for me. Heard some good tips though: "These richy, fancy people put their pants on the same way I do, so don't think their any better then me, just be respectful" and "treat the guests as if their guest in my own home". Looking forward to my wine teacher getting out here so I can observe everything she does. Its looking promising, but I really do miss home. This is my first time ever leaving home and being on my own. Not a fan. I need to start working so I don't feel so home sick. I wonder sometimes what the heck I'm out here for, why am I doing this, but I feel I need to experience an adventure like this, taking on this opportunity. My God is my strength. I already have in mind what I want to do after this trip, work at a vineyard! Preferably back home in California though.
Missing EVERYONE!! Let me know if you want to send me anything so that I can give you my address.

much love, Kristine

FYI: Mackinac means "big turtle" and supposedly has "special powers" as well as being hunted (boo!)