My good friend Harlan introduced me to a concept called, "The Bonus."
The idea is simple enough: on a long trip, each person brings along a little surprise to reveal at a time of his or her choosing. It can presented after an arduous hike when the group needs a boost, or during a joyous moment to exponentially increase the euphoria. The bonus can be anything, from board games though food is generally the most well-received.
Having been in Vegas before my camping adventures in the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, I decided to pack a little bonus for myself at Bouchon Bakery in The Venetian hotel. Sure, it sort of defeats the purpose, but the hope was to bury it somewhere deep in my pack, forget it was there, and stumble upon it just as the taste dehydrated food on which I was about to live became unbearable.
It lasted fewer than six hours.
The idea is simple enough: on a long trip, each person brings along a little surprise to reveal at a time of his or her choosing. It can presented after an arduous hike when the group needs a boost, or during a joyous moment to exponentially increase the euphoria. The bonus can be anything, from board games though food is generally the most well-received.
Having been in Vegas before my camping adventures in the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, I decided to pack a little bonus for myself at Bouchon Bakery in The Venetian hotel. Sure, it sort of defeats the purpose, but the hope was to bury it somewhere deep in my pack, forget it was there, and stumble upon it just as the taste dehydrated food on which I was about to live became unbearable.
It lasted fewer than six hours.
Carrot Cake "Cookie" Sandwich
But here's where it gets really fun. The woman behind the counter met me with a bubbly personality that nearly matched my own: a rare occurrence. We chatted for a bit, and she helped me pick my pastries. In addition to my sandwich, I wanted to grab a macaron, but had an internal struggle between flavors: coffee or pistachio? Coffee is my go-to flavor for nearly anything, but pistachio is just downright classic. Ultimately, I caved on my standard, rushed off to my car to start the drive, and was immediately met with buyer's remorse.
Pistachio - the one that got away.
But as I un-crinkled the paper a few days later for my mid-morning snack...
Pistachio - the one that got away.
But as I un-crinkled the paper a few days later for my mid-morning snack...
SHE BONUSED MY BONUS!
In my haste to begin my journey, I never felt the weight of the extra cookie, and the whole concept of the bonus was reborn. There was no way she could have possibly known what she was doing, making my pistachio macaron that much sweeter.
So, while she'll probably never read this: thank you, woman-behind-the-counter-at-Bouchon-Bakery-in-Vegas, for slipping an extra bonus into my bag. You made me smile and you made my day, more than I think you realized.
Nosh on,
Josh
In my haste to begin my journey, I never felt the weight of the extra cookie, and the whole concept of the bonus was reborn. There was no way she could have possibly known what she was doing, making my pistachio macaron that much sweeter.
So, while she'll probably never read this: thank you, woman-behind-the-counter-at-Bouchon-Bakery-in-Vegas, for slipping an extra bonus into my bag. You made me smile and you made my day, more than I think you realized.
Nosh on,
Josh
