Had my first beer in Spain. I believe I deserved it after cycling almost 12 miles from Madrid airport, at night, on the motor way and lucky. Besides the obvious danger of fast cars and being illegal (riding a bike on the highway), and being caught by the police, if I got caught, they’d take my bike away and make me pay cash. At least that’s what the reception staff in one of the best Madrid hotels told me. This hotel was where I was to meet my traveling friend, Jammy.
I didn’t feel like leaving my bike locked outside, and this hotel was totally awesome about letting me bring my bike inside and they even stored it for me while I visited with my friend! So, totally cool. My room in the hostel where I was staying, was on the sixth floor and I’d have to lug it up all six floors, but in parts, it wouldn’t fit in whole, so I’d have to take it apart. I was laughed at by the proprietor.
I checked into the hostel the day before and there was only an easy chair to sit in while filling out the guest form. As for paying, the proprietor disappeared behind this red velvet curtain and then he comes back out with my debit card in hand for me to sign the slip. Then he shows me where I’ll be staying, in a completely different building. The proprietor was really very nice, he told he wanted me to stay in the other building because it’s a better facility. Later, I find out it’s an en-suite room, I booked a room without a bathroom, but this was so much better. A working shower too!
But, back to visiting with Jammy, his hotel room was fantastic! I wish I had the money for some accommodations like that! So, much better than a hostel. But, I do enjoy the communal feeling that a hostel gives. I meet the most fascinating people from all over the world and 99 percent of the time, they are so nice and fun. Jammy and I walked around downtown Madrid for a bit and then he had to go. But, it was nice to at least spend an hour or so with him. We grew up together, and it was great that we were in the same place and the same time in about 15 years! The financial difference between us makes no difference, we both respect and enjoy each others company and always will.
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