Frances Baker, a happy soul, has seen many positive transitions at Ariel Sands cottage colony in the past 34 years in her role as executive housekeeper. They offer everything a larger hotel offers on a smaller scale.

"I love my work. When I come to this beautiful place to work it's like leaving home to come home again,'' Mrs. Baker said As a young married woman Mrs. Baker worked as a caterer for British Airways for a couple of years but her husband, Edmund, didn't like her working in the evening so she quit. They have been married for 42 years and have four children, Beverly, Karen, Regina and Kenneth.

Shortly after she left British Airways, a friend told her about an opening at Ariel Sands as a relief maid. Mrs. Baker was hired on the spot and she has been there ever since.

"I had a lot of encouragement along the way from different bosses. Leslie Hayward was the manager when I started, 34 years ago. She was a mentor and coach to me and always encouraged me to be the best I could be and the same is true of Sue Richardson. Both women have inspired me and impacted my job.

"Matthew Dill, the owner's grandson, used to be the assistant manager and he helped me by sending me on training courses and he gave me constant encouragement. In 1997 Mrs. Baker attended a course sponsored by Tourism called, "Train the Trainer'' where she received a certificate.

Mrs. Baker is a nurturer and is known for her pleasant temperament and being an excellent listener to staff and visitors. "Most of the staff, everyone from the pot washer to the gardener, calls me "Mother''. I try to do unto others as I would have them do to me,'' she said.

Over the years Mrs. Baker has become well acquainted with the Dill family and speaks highly of them. The Dills opened the cottage facility on December 18, 1954. Mrs. Baker is acquainted with Diana Dill Darrid and her son, the famous actor, Michael Douglas.

The Dills have owned the land over a hundred years. It used to be farmland. It gets its name from Shakepeare's Ariel, a spirit, in his romantic drama, "The Tempest.'' There is a stainless steel figure of her in the sea there. "I am a morning person and I put all my trust in God. I love my staff and the work family environment we have here.'' Mrs. Baker attends Christ Church Devonshire.

Mrs. Baker says she really enjoys the families who visit Ariel Sands, particularly those with children. "I have met people from all over the world here and I have even visited some of them abroad. I talk to tourists all the time. Our staff are friendly and try to make our guests feel at home. We even offer an excellent baby sitting service.'' The questions she is most asked by visitors are: "Is is going to rain? "Where are some good places to eat? "When did the hotel open? "What kind of entertainment is on the Island? "Where to we go for historic tours? "Why do you drive on the left and why so slowly?'' She made the following tourism recommendations: "Bermuda as a society should be very polite to tourists. Parents should be teaching their children manners at home and the schools should focus on teaching manners too. Students should receive more education on hospitality.

"There should be more training in the hotel and service industry to provide quality service.

"The air fares are just too high! They have taken right over. Why are fares so expensive from the US and Canada when we are so close to them? This needs to be investigated and get the fares down.

Ariel Sands is a wonderful place to dine, play tennis or relax and watch the waves.

"Come unto these yellow sands and then take hands. Curtsied when you have, and kissed - The wild waves whilst .... W.M. Shakespeare.

Sweetheart : Mrs. Frances Baker, dedicated to Ariel Sands cottage colony for 34 years.

Happy tourists : Many tourists enjoy golfing in Bermuda such as Americans, Jean Boak and Beth Boak. "We love St. George's course as it is challenging and the flowers are beautiful.'' TOURISM TOU