[**If you are one of the people who thinks I ought not travel alone, you may wish to skip this post. It is outside of the 'norm' of travelling for middle aged accountants in Canada. More like single vagabond college students anywhere on the planet.**]
The lateness of the train - over 4 hours - did not help with my accommodation plans. I had an Air B&B booked (if you're not familiar with this phenom, Google it). I was pretty sure that my host wasn't going to be interested in staying up until 2 a.m. to check me in.
Late Monday afternoon, I sent him an email and told him that I would just cancel the first night and find a hotel; I could then check into the B&B the next day since I would be two nights in Winnipeg. I didn't ask for nor expect a refund. My host seemed truly bewildered that I would consider such a solution. "Just phone me when you are at the house. Doesn't matter what time. I will let you in. No worries." (He really did say "no worries".)
And, that's just what he did. True to his word, when the cabbie let me out at the prescribed address at 1:45 a.m. on a dark and maybe slightly sketchy street in front of a basic two-story brick house, I called him and he came out in about 30 seconds to take me in the front door and lead me up a very skinny staircase. The main thing was that he was very cheerful and soft spoken - not at all threatening. The house was quiet and after two locked doors, I was in my room:
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| My First Air B&B |
The reviews posted were technically correct; the room is 'clean' (at least the bedding appeared to be, even if there wasn't a top sheet). Not a lot of furniture, although two twin beds available - one served as my 'dresser'. The side table, as you can see, had a bare bulb lamp. Such atmosphere.
One thing in good supply was WiFi and I was provided with the password immediately. Mr. H, the host, indicated that there was someone else on my floor (this is where the internet reviews of the room fell apart a bit and "Caveat emptor" comes into effect. I did not have, as I had believed, a private bath and kitchen. Me and my hall way buddy would be sharing said space. Whatever. The bathroom and bedroom doors had locks.
By the time I was organized and settled for the night, I was relieved to have a completely horizontal and enough leg room to stretch out and sleep. Two nights on the train changed my sleeping expectations. The house remained quiet and I eventually convinced my turned-around body clock to go to sleep.
The bathroom - I didn't take any close ups. Only the cold water tap worked on the sink. Good for 'waking up'. Some water pressure for the shower; three curtains cobbled together to make a 'wrap around the tub experience. No towels - well, that's clearly a lie as there's one in the photo, but it was plainly in use by another and no additional towels were available. No fear - I have my trusty backpacking towel. Not surpisingly - no TP either. Again, I am travelling prepared, so don't fret. But one doesn't expect to require that sort of emergency supply when you're in your 'hotel' ... The biggest mystery here is what the watering can is for as there are no plants on this floor - at least not in any of the rooms I can access.
While there is a little kitchen space (no kitchen table or chair, but a cupboard, microwave, sink & fridge), it would seem that the other resident on this floor is more permanent than me and I feel uncomfortable invading his space. My exploration of the neighborhood has yielded a Safeway so I'll find what I need there and won't need to access the kitchen for much. The poor fellow has no privacy.
I am in no way trying to make this sound like some sort of hardship story - nothing 'bad' has happened and it's just somewhat surprising to my middle-class and middle-aged sensibilities. It is likely just what I needed so that I can continue to remind myself of all that I have to be thankful for in any given moment.
Including TP.
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