As most of you are aware this 'backpacking' trip through Europe was a result of our desire to teach our kids a more resourceful and budget conscience way of traveling. So far the trip has been extremely fun, well within the budget, and our accommodations have been better than any of us expected. Until today.
We left for Vienna this morning via bus. The bus was packed full, the A/C didn't work and we hit a traffic jam/accident that caused the trip to take about 6 hours. When we arrived in Vienna Sophia had a headache, I was car sick, and it was 99 degrees. The train to our hotel broke down so we were going to have to take several connection buses to get to the location. I made the executive decision that I would pop for a taxi ride--the kids were elated.
When we arrived at our hotel it was quite apparent that this was going to be our first real hostel experience. When I researched this one it boasted a conveniently located family atmosphere hostel. We pulled up on some back alley street across from an 'Exotic Dance' bar and walked into a beat up lobby with the song 'I'm sexy and I know it' blaring in some back room. There were flyers for free tours and a list of clubs in the area along with home made posters with phrases like 'Your mom doesn't live here! Clean up after yourself!'. I immediately started wondering how many Marriott Reward points I have...thinking it wouldn't be cheating if The room was free. I was informed that there was a free laundry in the kitchen downstairs which we could also use to prepare meals, when we went to check it out we gagged from the smell and quickly retreated to our non air conditioned room with bunk beds. After a heated argument over who got the top bunk, we decided to head out. We dragged ourselves past the local 'clubs' and found a tram to take us to the center of town--only 11 stops away. By this time the kids were fighting, I was crabby and we all were just a bit miserable. Considering our room was about 105 degrees I knew we couldn't find comfort there..so I made yet another executive decision and took the kids to the Hilton--I can't believe the joy in their faces when we walked into the lobby. We sat at the bar watching the olympics, drinking virgin (for the kids anyway) piña coladas and eating cheeseburgers. A couple of hours later we felt revived and had a lovely evening in the city going to the Vienna Film Festival in the Park--it was a beautiful event that we all enjoyed.
We're back at the hostel now....what does it say about me that I keep looking at the available hotels on Expedia?
Here is the alternative.. Minneapolis working... Even on the weekends. Not complaining just offering the kids another perspective. It sounds like you guys are having fun. Please order a Sache torte for me.
ReplyDeleteHey glad you're having fun! Do they have WiFi at the hostel? Another alternative: shoveling sheep and chicken poop! Probably smells the same where you're staying and maybe the chicken coop is cleaner.
ReplyDeleteLet us know and maybe we can provide a brief American hostel backpacking experience right here -- shovels included!