15 Nov 2023
We booked /paid for a half day museum tour for two. (Note: unlike most other TripAdvisor partners this company had a no cancellation/no refund policy.) Good communication and clear meet up instructions. Timely notified of a museum closure with great suggested alternate. Morning of the tour husband unwell and I didn't want to spend that much time away. Met up with the guide, Jen, on time at the exact spot, to let her know she was free to go. We knew no refund. She expressed concern, asked if we needed medical help, and asked if I had any other plans. Just wander outside the port entrance a little and try to find a 7-11... As we walked and talked she did things like subtly switched sides to shield me from aggressive vendors, pointed out sidewalk hazards, and I realized what I most wanted was to just have a nice chat with her over a beverage in a place with AC. She was up for it, and kept notifying the driver of changing plans. I'm going to skip the rest of the details and summarize by saying Jen is one of the best private guides I've had in 40 years of traveling. She was so knowledgeable and shared information in a natural way--never sounding like she'd memorized info. Jen patiently answered a wide array of questions and we had a great conversation ranging from history to culture to current events, and beyond. She was constantly thoughtful of my comfort without being fussy. (She also kept her driver in the loop.) Though I only ended up using about half the scheduled tour time, I wrapped up the day with her because I was at that "Goldilocks moment" of feeling that everything which transpired was " just right." I could have easily found my way back to the ship but she walked me as far as she was permitted. The depth and breadth of her knowledge was impressive. I would happily seek Jen out in the future and feel confident recommending her and this tour provider without hesitation.