European Hostels 101

Here are a few things to expect to encounter while staying in a hostel in Europe…basically all of the interesting characters that shared a room with us while staying in Barcelona at the Kabul hostel.

1. There may or may not be a rando already sleeping in your bed when you check in.

2. You may have to switch your mattress with a supposedly clean one when you discover white spots on your burgundy sheets. hmm.

3. Don’t be alarmed when you discover a random Irish man passed out on the floor when you wake up asking if you are a cheerleader because you are wearing Nike shorts.

4. There is ALWAYS an awful snorer in every room and is bound to keep you up for hours on end.

5. There is also always bound to be that one weird foreign man that does not speak any english two bunks down for you that looks far too old to be staying in a YOUTH hostel. Don’t worry he is harmless.

6. Hostel roommates from Wales are NEVER good roommates. Expect loud, noisy, flatulent d-bags with no manners that like to toss around small jewish boys named Max.

7. Be prepared to kick out drunk men that pass out in your bed. Swearing, flashing the lights, pinching, and attempts at various languages may be necessary.

8. When living in coed rooms with no privacy, expect to see some nudity. Whether it is an Irish guy dropping his pants mid conversation in the center of the room, or a naked Australian locked out of his room by his mates…full frontal shots will no longer be a surprise.

9. Don’t expect any “extras”. The customer is always right theory is not in their handbook.

1o. Don’t be surprised to find a puddle when you step out of your room. Some drunk people can’t manage to find a bathroom that is 10 feet away.

Though this sounds “awful” this was one of the best weekends I have ever had. There were various crazy instances during my stay at Kabul however this was such an awesome environment. Now, I have mentioned things to expect and even avoid at hostels, here are few DO’s:

1. Talk to everyone you can, its so neat to meet people from such a wide spectrum of locations and cultures. We met people from Brazil, Australia, Wales, England, Ireland and other various places. You learn a lot. You may even meet a cute Brazilian medical student that will teach you to play pool and drink sangria with. (hypothetically speaking of course)

2. Roll with it. As already seen in what I wrote above, things can get crazy. Just go with it, its never THAT bad and usually provides classic entertainment later on.

3. Take advantage of free breakfast and dinner if they have it. That is one less meal you have to pay for that can be used for something cool or a fun night out, there is not much else that is “free” in Europe.

4. Bring a padlock of some sort to lock up your belongings. Comes in handy, especially when you are sharing 20+ bed dorms.

5. People watch: never fails as quality entertainment, everyone has such a unique story just by observing.

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