Inmate #107

So here's the deal. Apparently I'm off my rocker. And no one bothered to tell me until Saturday. You see, after a 3-year hiatus I will soon be strapping on my backpack and leaving on a jet plane for another European adventure. That sounds pleasant enough, right? Counting a few sheep in a sleeping berth while being rocketed to a former Eastern block country. Exploring the caves of the Karst Region of Slovenia despite claustrophobia. Taking in the studs ;-) at the Lipizzaner farm. Getting lost a million times in a foreign city. No news there, been there and done that and I've lived to tell about it each time.

But this time I was contemplating something totally different. And I have no idea why except that I've been a little bored of late. You know how it is, the same routine, the same city, the same ole' life without any excitement or adventure. So I've been reading my guidebook and looking up websites and generally trying to stick to a tight budget while paying for hotel, transportation, food, etc., with a devalued dollar.

And then I found out about Hostel Celica. It's a restored "detention" facility, a.k.a. former prison, which is apparently THE place to stay for backpackers trekking through former Eastern block countries. And we all know that I like to be different so my curiosity was piqued. How unique to stay in a "cell" that has been decorated by a cool, hip designer. The place has an art gallery. Laundry facilities. Cafe. Internet. TV room. AND, it's cheap - really cheap.

Of course, I overlooked the fact that it is state run. Anything state run in a former Eastern block country should invite suspicion. And I wasn't thrilled that I would have to share a bathroom, but I figured I could survive that for 3 nights. And being required to leave my cell open for the daily tours was disconcerting to say the least.... But the kicker was discovering that it was next to the city's hippest teen club frequented by those looking for drugs, sex and rock-n-roll - and um, well I'm NOT. Then there is the lack of sleep from the ongoing party next door, and nothing I could do about it except get grumpy and sick from sleep deprivation. Uh-oh.

Thankfully someone whose initials are LA ;-) pointed out my obviously flawed thinking by asking a few questions such as:

1. Do they allow cell phones? (please tell me you get the pun because that is funny!)
2. If so, are you allowed only one call?
3. If valuables are required to be kept in the safe deposit box does that mean it's only a minimum security prison?

Great, now I'm questioning my sanity. Can you say PROZAC? Ultimately I reconsidered and booked a nice B&B. MOSTLY out of concern for my safety but also because I'D NEVER live it down if I actually stayed in a former Eastern block prison! So now, instead of being Inmate #107, I will be plain, ole' boring Robin from Texas. I'll try to enjoy the real bed, breakfast, tea, Internet, telephone, room service, en suite toilet and shower..... Prison? Yeah, WHAT was I thinking?

Carryon Baggage

14 years ago I embarked upon my first overseas adventure, a trip that would change my life by igniting a passion for all things European. As my launch date approached, I stayed busy packing, weighing, repacking and wearing my backpack around the house. I'm sure it took every ounce of self-control for my parents to keep from bursting into hoots of laughter as I traipsed around with 60 pounds of turquoise nylon strapped to my back. I was determined to "train" for my big adventure and completely unwilling to part with anything on my list. I was landing on foreign soil after all and I was not inclined to use German toothpaste, Austrian shampoo or Czech deodorant!

Since that most excellent adventure I have traveled abroad many times and experience has taught me that it is always better to pack less not more. Everything must fit into the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of me, especially if I have to haul it around on my aging, decrepit back! And I have been rewarded by breezing to the front of the customs' line right past the huge crowds of people watching the carousel of luggage in a frenzied state, trying to figure out which one of the 312 black suitcases is theirs..... Plus instead of using my precious moola on a shiny cart to hold all of my cargo, I get to spend it on a $6.00 airport soda. Woo-hoo!

Through the years I have also pared down my other "baggage", if you know what I mean... Downsizing has definite advantages. Things are simpler and my perspective is better, and even when life comes at me fast or circumstances are painful I handle them more graciously than I used to. I used to hit everyone in the face with all of my bags, and while I probably still do, at least the bags are lighter now and the injuries no longer life threatening!

While I have gained freedom by disposing of so much junk, it doesn't mean that I don't need help carrying my load periodically. If you are "lucky" enough to really know me let me apologize in advance, because you may be required to do some heavy lifting from time to time, especially when I am exhausted and unable to figure out how to keep moving forward. But, I am a firmly committed "carryon baggage girl" so most of the time I'll carry my stuff on my back, which frees my arms to help carry your stuff if you need me to.