Wake Up! My First Hostel Experience

I always knew travelling would spur revelations about life and the world...I just didn't know the extent of things that would be revealed. For instance, my first night in a hostel I did not expect a young frenchman to de-pants in an 8 person, multisex room. I did NOT see that coming! But we all saw it going! (har har) And, maybe it's just me, but I would not flaunt a pale, hairy little butt like that - I don't care if it is all the rage in Paris!

As you can see, hostels are odd places, but I happen to be staying at a particularly great one. Wake Up! (the hostel) is ranked #1 large hostel in Oceania. It's set up in central Sydney in an old department store building; as with many re-purposed buildings, it has a unique flavor. The store was originally built with each floor at different heights to house different merchandise, so no 2 floors are the same. This lends a funky feel which is heightened by big pillows, poof chairs, and blaring music - hippy heaven.

The more I hang around backpackers, the more I understand the culture they've set up for themselves. They take great pride in their roaming, revel in their showerless state (you can sniff out a true BP'er any day!), and dress in an 80's flashback style (where do they buy capri leggings these days?). Most of my hostel-mates are between 17-19 years old...which makes me feel a bit out of the loop. The looks I see when they learn I'm 24 make me feel as if I've achieved centarian status 76 years too soon!

But, the few years between us make me shake my head in a "how young I once was" way (Steve knows what I'm talking about). They haven't started jobs or college and view the first as a prison for them to rot in...and so they wander. I have a theory that they won't grow up until they are attacked by anti-bacterial soap. Experiments to commence soon!