The Story So Far ...

We said farewell to our work friends at the RSPCA and BBC on 14 September, farewell to our families on 3 October, and set off for Africa to save cheetahs, decorate school buildings, and look around a bit. After a trip home for Christmas, we headed for South East Asia on 6 January -- where we were stunned by Qatar and Cambodia, taught novice monks in Laos, and acted as security guards at an Elephant Festival. It was back home for four weeks to look after John's dad, before we tangoed our way through five South American countries in fifteen days. We then snooped our way through New Zealand, dipped our toes into Fiji, drove-thru California and were home from home with family in Vancouver.

Now, we are home itself. Fulfilled, happy, and ready to earn the respect of our friends and family by knuckling down and earning some money once again ...

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

What's in an -s?

You'll be surprised what you find when you stay in a hostel

Here are three differences between the accommodation provided by the Hostelling International Chain (where we've spent several recent nights), and the Hilton International Chain (where I have spent many nights through work.)

1.
Hostel:  you're greeted at reception by a friendly member of staff who appears to be interested in you and your travels.   He or she sounds as if they are local, and you suspect they're happy in their job.
Hotel:  you're greeted at reception by a member of staff who says something that's clearly learnt by rote.  You suspect from their accent that they are not at all local, and employed because they command the lowest possible wage from the hotel chain.

2.
Hostel:
Breakfast's a muffin you toast yourself, with coffee you pour yourself, served yourself on plates you wash up yourself, standing at the sink next to someone to whom you might want to introduce yourself.
Hotel:
Breakfast's an overpriced mass of badly cooked items slowly sweating in a film of grease, eaten whilst avoiding at all costs eye-contact with the  bored executive at the table next door, who's been avoiding eye-contact with you.

3.
Hostel:
You make your bed yourself, and gladly leave a tip for the person who'll clean the room when you check out.  You can afford it, because the hostel was so fairly priced.
Hotel:
Your bed is made for you by a maid you suspect so unfairly paid that your tip becomes your only weapon against this pastel-painted corporate machine.

John

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