Bajai Life Camp 16.21: Day 472
Sea Art Hotel
Friday September 21, 2018
Savona, Italy
25.84% excited
My dumb-ass was waiting for an email, when I should've just gone to the site. And boom! One more session at La Alberca before I head back to the US. Kind of makes me forget all my bitchin'. It makes that €3.00 worth it. Luckily I have my experience written down so my current feelings won't wash away my memories.
Brown Sugar.
I may be a bit too excited to sleep. I'll be checking out of here almost eight hours early. I don't feel as bad leaving money on the table, so to speak. I'm really looking forward to being back in Spain.
Good sleep!
My tea wasn't hot. The lady working the breakfast buffet seems to value speed over efficiency. A couple had to remind her about their coffee and I had to remind her about my milk. Only moments after I requested it. She's got something on her mind, I think. I feel that she's just about holding it together.
Far be it from me to tip her boiling point. I'll make tea in my room. In fact... I've noticed, the last two places I've stayed had kettles, and nothing else. Is this a result of global inflation? Can hotels in Europe no longer afford to provide the extras?
The view along the way.
Hmmm.
Today I plan to rekkie the route to the ferry port from which I will depart Italy tonight.
Rekkied the docks in the daylight.
I got my place in Barcelona after much research and indecision. My parameters have evolved. I want a place close to the arrival spot and not too far from departure, and accessible by public transportation. And less than a bean per night and not a hostel.
As far as the jump from Barcelona to Madrid, bus or train? The longer I procrastinate the more likely I will take the train. It's a nice ride. I'm almost done on the road. I can go home and chill. Maybe I'll spring for a nice spot Tuesday and Wednesday and a hostel or something Thursday and out early Friday. That might be a plan.
This closed bank is a very poignant tale image in the EU.
I haven't been vigilant with the exercise lately. However, lately has been the last several days and they have been "special". Walking counts. I almost didn't count the hours of walking yesterday. I did a few pushups as well and worked with the yellow band too.
The left knee is playing up again. More squats. It could be recovering from yesterday. I need to work this out. I think I need more weight training and muscle development in this area. I'm now in the position to know what I need, know how to do it, have time to do it, yet still don't do it.
Humph!
94 steps to room 530.
I couldn't get change for a five from the hotel. Just another straw on the camel's back that is adding to my growing frustrations here. But as I mentioned, I'll take it. I have to take it.
So far today, cold tea, no change, missed two buses.. had to figure out how to ride. By the way, if you want to find the brown people in any city, just catch a bus, a tram or a train. A cynical assessment. But true as far as I can see. And frustration fuels my cynicism.
The beach walk is really nice. Lots of funny scenes, parks and trails.
The bus is a decent method to the ferry if you have plenty of time and the sun is still up. But at night. Better to grab a cab. I should keep an eye out for a cab app in case the folks at Sea Art Hotel are too busy to summon one for me. Frustrations fuel sarcasm as well. My internet might run out just before I leave.
I think I'll go back, shower, exercise... or maybe hang on one of the beaches....pack, of course... and await my departure time. The further I get away from here the less frustrated I will feel.
I was thinking it's because of the language. I don't speak Polish or German... However I was in capital cities and most people spoke English. Very few people I've encountered here speak English. I don't expect them to.
More frustration.
Kettle and cups, no tea or coffee, and no outlet.
Opted for the mytaxi app, only to discover at almost the last minute that service isn't here. So I went down to the front desk to order a cab. So I'm out at 22:30 to catch a 00:30 ferry. I hope the return to Spain will change my vibes. I can't fault the hotel for the app, but general frustration still.
I'm just about an hour from checking out and putting this place behind me. It's been the longest two days that I can remember. I want to put my finger on a specific cause but it's impossible. Too many variables.
Right now I'm thinking I'd be happy working at the YMCA, teaching group fitness classes and pumping iron. The Bod is still in good shape. Muscle memory can kick in and I can envision the results.
Waiting for the taxi and thinking of a back up plan. I need to shake this feeling. Everything will work out smoothly. It has. Even getting here, although I feel it was a mistake, worked out smoothly. I must use my wizard skills to set my mind right.
The lobby of the hotel. Can't blame the staff for the hotel's whack policies.
Voila!
The taxi came... €25.00 (I want to stop putting price tags on everything.) Because I got my ticket online I had to stop at the gate. A sentry radioed to the office to confirm identity, then a shuttle took me to the ticket office where my passport was checked and my ticket printed. Then I was shuttled to the entrance of the boat where my ticket was checked again. Then I boarded.
Easy-peezy. No place for luggage. I haven't found seats yet, or rooms. Maybe I'll find both along the way.
This boat is bound for Barcelona and then Tangier. Good to know... just in case I want to get to Morocco from Spain an easier way than last time.