1990 and use of RS Italy guide to help book a recommended hotel in Rome near the Vatican. RS Guide said it had Sunlit rooms, top floor with excellent family owners. Invested in a long distance call to book the room. Arrived exhausted from long day of flight delays and was surprised to be lead to a lower floor with an inner courtyard view. Nothing at all like what was described in the RS book and there was a shared hall bath Too tired to argue. Slept, woke stumbled into hall bath and found a young partially robed woman. Froze! She laughed and left the room. Did my business and returned to room to have the doorknob fall off in my hand. Loud curse. Room next door opens and a couple steps out, one being the woman I had just seen. They both chuckle and my wife opens door asking why am I naked? I was so tired forgot to put on shorts before going to bathroom.
Next day was offered “normal room”, we refused and took a discounted price for the couple were from Germany and introduced themselves the next morning. Had fun sharing some food, drink and visiting the Pantheon/forum with them. Our Christmas tree always has the handmade tiny toy wood train they sent and 34 years later we are still in touch.
Travel is so much about the people you encounter.
Posted by
Green Bay
21244 posts
Yes it is so true.
Posted by
196 posts
This is a great example of what travel can be, but often times isn't! People are connected through technology, but the connections may not be as good!
Posted by
Land of La
9266 posts
Still friends with a woman who owned a flat in the now hip and gentrified Islington neighborhood of London, 16 years ago. She rented out an upstairs separate bedroom and bath when AirBnB first started. We meet up on each of my London visits.