Hostels
Hostels are an interesting thing.... Basically a hotel crossed with a dorm. So far we've only been in 2 but I have learned a lot. For example, you want to be in bed early because otherwise you're trying to get ready for bed without disturbing anyone else already sleeping. It's hard because you're in the dark and want to be quiet, but also your stuff is locked in a metal cage under the bed which makes a lot of noise. So you're fumbling with the lock and a flashlight while trying to pull stuff out or search through your huge bag for stuff.
I've also learned that the best time to take a shower is the middle of the day. No lines, bathrooms have been cleaned, and maybe you can get 2 minutes in the room alone to quickly change clothes so you don't have to walk down the hall.
Showers are quite a production because, in case you don't know me or haven't noticed, I hate germs. Jeremy doesn't have such an issue with this.
I take 2 bags with me because the hooks are tiny and I don't want anything on the floor, and bags hang securely from the hooks. So one bag holds my clean towel and the other my dirty clothes while I shower. I also try to learn the bathrooms. Some have drains so clogged that the showers just overflow into the bathroom or hallway. Some have curtains that are so full of mold you almost gag when you breath in the air. And some are just dirty with mold and hair. It's always a search for the best one. The shower itself is easy once all other obstacles are overcome. I, of course, wear flip flops.
I have learned to deal with never really being clean. I hate it, but I can deal with it so much better now than 9 days ago. The thing is that no hostels have paper towels or even blow dryers, and there is always a public door to touch or money being handled or SOMETHING. It's just an adjustment. And yes, I have OCD. But being out of my comfort zone is good for me.
Different perspectives
We were fortunate to have a couple conversations with people from outside the US about the US. We learned a lot.
A guy from France said that he hates the American mentality because we think we're better than everyone else. He then went on to talk about some socialist policies of France that work really well, and how he thinks we should be more generous to the poor or sick. We should have national healthcare for all and support moves towards that, everyone should have a chance to go to a good school and not a failing school, etc. It was all interesting to hear, and I think some of his points were good. We are not better than other countries and we need to remember that.
A guy from England LOVESSS American baseball and football and wants to go to the US but is terrified to be in a country with so many guns. He said that all of or tv shows and movies depict so much gun violence and our statistics are so scary that he would never go. Also interesting. He could name every Yankee and Red Sox player, and talked about the Ravens and Ray Lewis for a good minute.
Dealing with Each Other
I asked Jeremy to come with me because we have been friends for so long, we know each other well, we are good at fighting and getting over stuff, and I knew he wouldn't be in school or have a job he couldn't leave. But any two people would have trouble being together 24/7.
We have been giving each other space and have gotten good at sitting together quietly, not feeling awkward or pressure to talk. We don't sit right next to each other on open buses, we sit in different parts of the lounge, and we wander around museums about 30 feet from each other. We are always in sight but rarely right next to each other. Both of us need this for our sanity.
We were both feeling pretty horrible the other day because we weren't talking about the problems we were having. So we sat down and talked for like an hour, and we have both felt much better.
We both miss a lot of stuff at home, especially our other friends. So we talk about that a lot and take time to be on our phones talking to them, facebooking, whatever. And that helps a lot.
Top 5 things I'm soooo glad I brought.
1. Purrell and cleaning supplies
Obviously.
2. Sarong
You know, one of those thin Brazilian things. I use it as my towel and it dries soooo fast. And it's super light.
3. Random locks and lock-like things
It's shocking how often I want to lock things. I grabbed my padlock last minute- so glad I did because its in use 24/7. I don't know why I thought hostels and cages would have their own locks. I also have a little silver key ring that I use to close my day pack in busy places so no one sneaks a hand in. And my aunt gave me tiny zip ties, which I use whenever I have to leave my big pack somewhere (ie checked on a flight) just so I know if someone opened it.
4. Swiss Army knife
My sister got me one for my birthday with the works- corkscrew, can opener, scissors, everything. I have already used it a bunch.
5. Extra bags
Of every size and make and type. I am also hoarding any grocery or food bags we acquire. I am using these babies for everything.
Things I wish I knew before I left.
1. The first few days are going to suck and be hard, but things will get better.
2. You can't do much on a budget, so there will be down time in the hostel because even getting downtown costs money. And that's ok, and you don't need to feel guilty like you have to be out doing stuff every second because that's just stressful. That's not how we live at home, and if we did that all the time here we would be tired by week 2.
3. You will not eat a good, normal meal for 2 months.
4. You won't go out clubbing or partying because it's super expensive and a little dangerous in a completely new city.
5. You have to seek people out, because everyone is shy or in their own little world. You won't make that many friends, but little conversations with new acquaintances are really fun.
Final thoughts
The thing I think most often is that I wish I was home, but that's really just a comfort thing. I don't wish I was home, because I couldn't see or do any of this at home. I think it's normal to want to be back in your familiar place, and it is definitely a conscious decision to be in a good mood and have fun. But it gets a little easier every day and every day gets me a little closer to home too. So both of those things are comforting.
I had low expectations for this trip because I had no clue what to expect. Keeping my expectations low and my chin up will be vital to my happiness for the next 50 days.
I think that's all I have for now. If you read all of this, thanks! Special shout out to our friends and family- we love and miss you even though we are having a great new experience.
Leaving for Paris now. More on our activities later from France!
:)
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