When I was about 20 my girlfriend and I made a trip to Victoria and of course we had to see the Empress. I remember the feel of the place was very formal and fancy. My friend and I sat for a while on sofas in the lobby area watching people go by.

I was wearing jeans and carrying a denim “jeans” bag with a bunch of my stuff in it. I was trying to be nondescript and hoping not too many people would notice us as I felt I wasn’t dressed quite well enough for this place.

One of the things in my bag was an alarm clock. The thing was having a problem working right and sure enough, the alarm went off right there in the lobby of the Empress. I was mortified and we decided the best course of action was to leave immediately. I felt lucky my friend didn’t disavow knowing me right then and there.