Dinner With Friends

Yesterday Doug and I tried to check into a hotel and when we walked into the establishment and inquired about a room, we were told that it was not a hotel. We left and walked to the corner where we were greeted by a group of enthusiastic and very friendly men. We asked them if there was a hotel nearby and were directed back to the place we had just left. Further up and across the street we made another inquiry and this man kindly escorted us back to the same very place. In the past when we’ve been turned away from hotels it has usually although not always been because they weren’t licensed to rent to westerners. However, this time it was simply because they didn’t want us. I think it’s a good experience to know what it feels like to be mistrusted or rejected for no logical or as far as I can see valid reason.

Off we went down the road and about ten kilometers later, we found a hotel that was happy to have us and we checked in without any problems. After a little rest we went down the road to get some dinner and were greeted by a group of enthusiastic half in the bag men who helped us drink our beers. One of the men even read our palms although we have no idea what he was saying. I’m not happy that the first hotel rejected us but I’m going to look at if this way- we wound up in the better place. I’m sure Hippolyte had his share of doors shut in his face. I think this experience brings me closer to him. Anyways,these were our drinking buds.