Summary

The article "Tales of an AirBnB Host" recounts the author's experience attending the graduation of their close friend Armando, who has led a diverse and creative life, culminating in earning a Master's degree in Poetry from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Abstract

In "Tales of an AirBnB Host," the author shares a personal story about celebrating the achievements of their friend Armando, who has graduated as a Master from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. The narrative highlights Armando's multifaceted background, including his time at the Hershey School, service in the Navy, and work in theater arts and education. The author describes the joyous graduation ceremony, their visit to Montpelier, Vermont, and the vibrant, thriving community they encountered there. The article conveys the author's admiration for Armando's talents and their appreciation for the experiences they shared during the trip, including dining at local eateries and staying in an AirBnB with a unique view of the mountainous landscape. The author also reflects on the beauty of Vermont and the warmth of its people, concluding the series with a nod to the growth and humor found in their role as a writer and editor.

Opinions

The author expresses deep admiration and pride for Armando's accomplishments and talents, particularly noting his exceptional public speaking skills as valedictorian and his inherent creativity.
The author is impressed by the vitality and charm of Montpelier, Vermont, contrasting it favorably with their experiences in New York, and is enchanted by the town's active community and well-maintained downtown area.
The author enjoys the local cuisine, notably the Carolina barbecue at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury and the breakfast at The Skinny Pancake, despite finding the latter to be somewhat overpriced.
The author finds humor in everyday situations, such as the challenge of navigating Vermont's snowy landscape in a rented pickup truck and the playful exchange with Armando about ensuring the pilot gets him home safely.
The author values the concept of mastery, not just in formal education but in the ability to balance skill with a light-hearted approach to oneself, as encapsulated in a quote attributed to "Susan the Wise."
The author is excited about Joelle's chance encounter with Bernie Sanders at the airport, highlighting it as a memorable and unique experience of the trip.
The author identifies as a strategist, writer, editor, and is working on a stand-up comedy routine in the niche of "Granny Humor," indicating a self-perception of wit and a commitment to making a positive impact in the field of humor on Medium.

ESSAY

Tales of an AirBnB Host

The Amazing Armando Graduates as a Master — Story #7

Photo by Joelle Price, edited by Armando Batista

Last month, in January, I had the honor and privilege to attend a graduation.

It was for my dear friend Armando. You met him in this story.

Tales of an AirBnB Host

Guest of the Week — #2, Armando the Amazing

I met him some years ago, and am so grateful for that. We’ve become close friends. He even brought his fiance Joelle Price home to meet me. She cooked an amazing chicken curry dish for me. Like a true granny — or auntie — I told her I can’t wait to meet her babies, when the time comes.

The graduation was such a joyous occasion. He was the valedictorian of his graduating consort. I laughed when he quoted Yoda in his speech. And parts of it brought tears to my eyes. It was heartfelt and resonated loudly. And they didn’t even have to play that organ in the background!

On Becoming a Master Tryer

A Yoda Padawan Grad’s Commencement Speech

He said that with a Masters degree, he is officially confirmed as a Master Tryer. He’s tried so many things, and he finally has the degree to prove it.

He’s got his degree in Poetry now. I think he didn’t really need to prove anything to anyone — he’s exceptionally talented. It’s all that trying things out that did it for him.

He went to the Hershey School in Pennsylvania, did a stint in the Navy, got an undergraduate degree in theater arts, wrote a play, performed the same play in New York City, has taught children to access their creativity, and continues to work with children today. And continues to amaze. I think I’ll be amazed by his talents my whole life, and how fortunate was I to meet him?

Did I tell you how amazing he is?

I got to spend a few days in Montpelier, Vermont. The college Armando graduated from is the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Bopping around the college and town made me feel like a youngster again. As if I could maybe go back to college.

Nah — that’s not happening.

I’ve got way to much traveling ahead in my future to get that tied down.

That capital dome! SHINY!!! Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash

What a cute town! Evidently, Montpelier is the capital of Vermont. I had no idea. Unlike many New York small towns that have downtown buildings and shops unoccupied, or pre-occupied with activities not originally intended, Montpelier’s downtown is thriving. Well maintained buildings, active, thriving businesses and people shopping and walking and eating meals in cafe’s.

It was like walking into a novel from another time.

I think I’ve lived in New York for too long.

There are literally snow flurries every single day there. It doesn’t stop snowing.

Occasionally the sun comes out.

I hope to see the blue sky and green mountains when I visit again in the summer. I stayed in an AirBnB, naturally, and the host was a theater producer, working on productions in London. And he is living is this cute town. His home was literally touching the sheer cliff of a mountain that is behind the town. The kitchen window faces a sheer cliff that ascends nearly directly vertically to the sky. I craned my neck up to look as far as I could out that window, while washing my breakfast dishes. I couldn’t see the sky. But I could see a house nearly directly above his, perched on the mountain precariously. While I’m sure those people have spectacular views, seeing that home made me feel like I didn’t want to stand at that kitchen sink.

I was invited to a celebratory dinner, the evening of the graduation.

It was a bit out of town, in Waterbury. Featured Carolina barbecue.

I never imagined southern barbecue coming out of Vermont. But there it was. Prohibition Pig. The aromas were amazing, the flavors authentic. Spectacular.

The next morning, we had breakfast in a little cafe called The Skinny Pancake. The food was adequate to get the day started. Prices were a bit steep.

Breakfast & Brunch in Montpelier, VT | The Skinny Pancake

Visit The Skinny Pancake in downtown Montpelier, Vermont for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert with craft beer, a full…

skinnypancake.com

I had a huge pick up truck which I rented in order to brave the wilds of Vermont. So I offered to take Armando and Joelle to the Burlington airport.

Once we got there, they told me to drive home safely.

I told Armando to tell the pilot he better get you home safely. He replied that he didn’t think the pilot would take too kindly to him telling him that.

I told him it would likely be a test for that pilot.

“A true master is someone who takes their skills seriously. And themselves, not so much.” — Susan the Wise

I gave them hugs and sent them on their way.

As a bonus, Joelle got to meet Bernie Sanders in the airport. She said he was super friendly and warm. Not every day that happens. Wow, Bernie!

What a great experience, all the way around.

I love everything about Vermont.

This is a series.

Tales of an AirBnB Host

Guest of the Week #6 — It Sucks Getting Old

Susan Brearley is a brilliant strategist, writer, editor, and granny, working on her first stand-up comedy routine in the field of Granny Humor.

She’s the Captain and Editor in Chief of the fastest growing humor publication on Medium — MuddyUm — Making Medium Fun Again.

She’s been writing comedy for about 2 weeks.