Love at first Sight
In Lecce, Apulia, Italy. It was instant love when I arrived at the hostel Urban Oasis. I didn’t even expect to stay in hostals in Italy. I felt kind of… too old, and the time for bunkbeds & Co was way over due. But I discovered it’s still perfect for the solo traveller. I get to say hi to someone but the receptionist, and it makes a difference.
This is my third time travelling somewhat spontaneous by train. My first time was two months in Europe 1989. The second time I went across the US from New York to California, ant this time (2022) another month in Europe. By myself. It feels a bit silly to be proud of the solo travelling, while it’s my normal. But just because it’s my normal, doesn’t mean it’s not challenging at times. Yet, freedom by far surpasses challenging.
My first two times of train hopping, hotels wasn’t even a choice. Not only do you sleep and shower at a hostel, it’s also where you meet people to hang out with, or even travel with for a few days here and there. But ageing (might) make you a bit more demanding when it comes to comfort, as well as a bit more financially stable. As well as… a bit more boring.
It’s something with arriving at a new place, but not really being there until you find your bed and shower at the location. Part of the joy with travelling this freely (by train that is) is the possibility of changing ones mind in regards to destination without any inconvenience at all. Then add all the possibilities that internet… =smartphones & apps gives us. On my first interrail experience in 1989, I had the timetable in a book… writing this, I see myself looking out of a cave in the mornings. Today, you can look at the map, check the app railplanner and see what times, and what possible connections there might be on your way. If there are too many, I might pick another destination… And, then you look for a hostal/lodging. Off you go.
All this praise to spontaneous solo travelling, I have to admit that I don’t find it all that easy to meet people to socialise with at the hostels. Neither am I that open to meeting people to join travels with. But the times that I have talked a bit more with people on this particular trip, it’s been really really nice. As well as it has altered my travelling in regards to getting intresting tips on where to go. I SO love that!!
It was SO cosy at this hostel. Very calm, but that is probably in regards to that we were not that many guests at the time. I had (with two exceptions) very nice roomies. I’m a bit shy these days and feel a bit like an intruder if I’m going to hang with the “real youth” at Urban Oasis. Still I really liked this place, and decided to stay another night, and in a double room with my own terrass overlooking the gardens. Great choice!!
On top of this, they had the cutest cats living here. Some would let you pet, while others didn’t. Urban Oasis also have a very nice and helpful staff. Common at hostels in general.