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The "Other" Vacation Program - Timeshare

© Reginald Vickers

There are a number of things that a person hates to admit to others in public. First, you don't want to admit that Barry Manilow is your favorite singer. This will only lead to continuous ridicule from friends (and even spouse). Second, you never want to admit that you still sleep with your teddy bear named "Bo-Bo". (Even though the reason you sleep with him is not because you need him but because he needs you). You never want to admit that your one cherished autograph is from Billy Carter. And lastly, you never want to admit that you bought a timeshare.

Since we have been talking about travel recently, Joyce and I had the opportunity to take a weekend jaunt to Charleston, SC. While enjoying a stroll, a man wearing a trench coat slipped toward us from an alleyway. "Psst, hey, you. Want a free carriage ride for you and the lady." I remarked, "no, thanks." He continued, "I'll throw in dinner for two to a nice uppity restaurant, how about it?" I shook my head no as Joyce tugged on my arm. "And a new Barry Mannilow CD!" I lit up like a Christmas tree, "Now you're talking. What do I have to do?" He pulled out a scratch piece of paper, "Just go to this place and tell them Louie sent you. It'll only take an hour and you'll see a lot of nice things." Joyce asked the obvious question, "What's the catch?" Louie explained, "No catch. Just go through the presentation of some swanky resort." I took the paper. Wow! A new Barry Manilow CD!

Right away, I knew it was a timeshare. When we met with Joseph, the marketing consultant from "The Lodge Alley Inn" (http://www.lodgealleyinn.com), he flashed a big toothy grin and shook our hands. Joseph was different from most salespersons though. I think he actually was sincere and caring. One thing he said that I had to agree with. He asked, "What are the three main reasons why a person wouldn't buy into a program like this?" I knew the answer. But before I could bark it out, he read my mind and said, "Money! Money! Money!" We had only been together for a few minutes and he already knew me.

They say you're never sold until you lay out the cash, but in my eyes we were sold. This timeshare (Blue-Green Properties) appeared different from other timeshare programs. You chose your time by points, you weren't locked in to a particular week, and you could buy weeks or days at a time. But the outcome was the same- we just couldn't afford it. But even though we did not buy into the program but we were able to keep the nice parting gifts. I really appreciate the Barry Manilow CD. Bo-Bo likes it, too.

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