Hommage to the Hostel
Ok, so I've received some input about my emails and posts that my messages are just a little too reflective and damn depressing. Although I strongly encourage daily reflection, I as much as any, realize the importance of a good laugh. Now, I'm not sure that my humor is universal, but read this with an open mind and you may find some pleasure with the thought of drying yourself off with your own underwear.
So, coming to Europe, and being a broke student wanting to see the world, I have taken a few liberties to sleep in some 1 star, and no star hotels. Yet, it has been with the greatest pleasure that I have been forced to discover the wonderful world of hostelling.
They come in many different colors, shapes and sizes... and with many myths and hidden facts.
Myth #1: Youth is a term defined by your age.
I learned the inherent falsity behind this notion with my first hostelling experience. I had the delight of rooming with a Brazilian of youthful age, as well as a 40 something eastern European chap. In fact, I think I may have been in the minority as a 20 year old, as there were families and senior couples enjoying the wonderful amenities that Le d'Artagnan had to provide. Venice provide similar insight into this myth...
Myth #2: You must bring your own towel
In fact, don't bother. Although you'll never be provided with a towel at one of these establishments, towels are simply too bulky to put in a travel pack, and you'll probably just end up losing it anyway. You will be amazed how well you can dry yourself with a square foot piece of cloth that you conveniently carry around daily in with your underpants. Ladies may want to wear two pair of panties, although I cannot verify that statement.
Myth #3: You must bring your own alarm clock.
There will undoubtedly be some nice fellow who locks his phone in his locker that will incessantly ring from 6am till 10pm. Unless you need to be up before then, you will be fine.
Myth #4: You need shower curtains to feel privacy.
In fact, you will be amazed at the new liberty you discover when you take a shower in a stall with half a door. You will instantly become best friends with your hostel mates, and for all my male readers, you will experience thw incredible pleasure of waving to the passers by while you wash your hair. To feel clean however, sandals are recommended.
Myth #5: When they say you must pay for sheets, they mean it.
Simply wait until your neighbor looks like he/she may be leaving and change them quickly. Or if you are still too cheap to purchase them, and too cowardly to help yourself to your neighbors, two qualities which I highly espouse, simply sleep in your clothes and cover up with outerwear. Ocver the course of two nights you could save 5euro, enough for a decent lunch at a local sandwicherie.
Myth #6: Youth hostels are significantly cheaper than a hotel.
There a plentiful 1 star and no star hotels running for about 4oeuro a night, and because you can pack at least 2 people in a room, you come out about the same as you would a 18 euro hostel, although you will not have the joy of chatting with your roommates, waving to your friends from the shower, or helping yourself to someone esle's sheets. You can still dry yourself off with your underpants if you prefer however.
So, there it is, my "Hommage to the Hostel." As a final piece of advice, I highly encourage anyone and everyone to pursue your own hostelling experiences. It is at once a humbling and enlightening experience, and well worth your time and, yes, also your money. There are multiple friends awaiting.
There you go folks. I hope this lifted your spirits and opened up your eyes just a teence. A plus tout le monde.
So, coming to Europe, and being a broke student wanting to see the world, I have taken a few liberties to sleep in some 1 star, and no star hotels. Yet, it has been with the greatest pleasure that I have been forced to discover the wonderful world of hostelling.
They come in many different colors, shapes and sizes... and with many myths and hidden facts.
Myth #1: Youth is a term defined by your age.
I learned the inherent falsity behind this notion with my first hostelling experience. I had the delight of rooming with a Brazilian of youthful age, as well as a 40 something eastern European chap. In fact, I think I may have been in the minority as a 20 year old, as there were families and senior couples enjoying the wonderful amenities that Le d'Artagnan had to provide. Venice provide similar insight into this myth...
Myth #2: You must bring your own towel
In fact, don't bother. Although you'll never be provided with a towel at one of these establishments, towels are simply too bulky to put in a travel pack, and you'll probably just end up losing it anyway. You will be amazed how well you can dry yourself with a square foot piece of cloth that you conveniently carry around daily in with your underpants. Ladies may want to wear two pair of panties, although I cannot verify that statement.
Myth #3: You must bring your own alarm clock.
There will undoubtedly be some nice fellow who locks his phone in his locker that will incessantly ring from 6am till 10pm. Unless you need to be up before then, you will be fine.
Myth #4: You need shower curtains to feel privacy.
In fact, you will be amazed at the new liberty you discover when you take a shower in a stall with half a door. You will instantly become best friends with your hostel mates, and for all my male readers, you will experience thw incredible pleasure of waving to the passers by while you wash your hair. To feel clean however, sandals are recommended.
Myth #5: When they say you must pay for sheets, they mean it.
Simply wait until your neighbor looks like he/she may be leaving and change them quickly. Or if you are still too cheap to purchase them, and too cowardly to help yourself to your neighbors, two qualities which I highly espouse, simply sleep in your clothes and cover up with outerwear. Ocver the course of two nights you could save 5euro, enough for a decent lunch at a local sandwicherie.
Myth #6: Youth hostels are significantly cheaper than a hotel.
There a plentiful 1 star and no star hotels running for about 4oeuro a night, and because you can pack at least 2 people in a room, you come out about the same as you would a 18 euro hostel, although you will not have the joy of chatting with your roommates, waving to your friends from the shower, or helping yourself to someone esle's sheets. You can still dry yourself off with your underpants if you prefer however.
So, there it is, my "Hommage to the Hostel." As a final piece of advice, I highly encourage anyone and everyone to pursue your own hostelling experiences. It is at once a humbling and enlightening experience, and well worth your time and, yes, also your money. There are multiple friends awaiting.
There you go folks. I hope this lifted your spirits and opened up your eyes just a teence. A plus tout le monde.
posted by snirapnotreknipnnyldrahcir at
1:06 PM
2 Comments
