Paula White
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 11/98) - Raemee Kwong couldn't even begin to count how many beds she's made during the past three years.

Kwong, 26, has worked in housekeeping at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife during that time and it's a job she enjoys for many reasons, one being that it is relatively stress-free.

"The boss is not always checking on you," she laughed. "You can work at your own pace."

Kwong moved to Yellowknife four years ago from China. She and her husband, Tony, met in China and married in Edmonton, Alberta, before moving North. Kwong began working at the hotel part time while attending school full time. This year, however, she attends school part time while working full time.

Kwong's day usually begins around 8 a.m. She and the other members of the housekeeping staff are responsible for making up the beds, cleaning the bathrooms and dusting the more than 125 rooms in the hotel.

"It seems very simple, but, actually, when you do it, it's very hard," Kwong explained. "You're on your feet a lot."

And, if the occupant of the room has checked out, the work is even more detailed. Kwong said often, the walls are scrubbed and lamps and televisions have to be checked to see if they are working. All in all, it takes about half an hour to thoroughly clean a room.

"If a guest is waiting for the room, you need to be a little bit fast," Kwong said.

The job, however, is not without its embarrassing moments. Kwong said there have been times when staff members (herself included) have accidentally entered a room while it is still occupied. In fact, Kwong has seen more than her fair share of... ahem... people in a state of undress.

"Some people are very nice, but some are not so nice," Kwong said, referring to the different reactions from customers at being walked in on. "You just get used to it, you know."