Back to Front
There is that moment just as I wake up that has too many thoughts to be remembered. First there is the sudden jolt as consciousness kicks in, that split second as your brain reboots and realises it’s not in a fantasy world any more. Then there is the vague whisper of the fantasy world that swirls away just out of reach of my mind’s eye, like the picture fading away on an old television.
Just as you realise what’s going on, everything else starts flooding my synapses – where I am, what I’m supposed to do today, planned appointments, the last fragments of the book I was reading. Depending on what else happened yesterday, the remains of my alcohol intake may come knocking on the inside of my skull too.
Groggy, but relaxed since I know I am on holiday, I shuffle to the bathroom to get ready for the day.
One shower, an elusive bar of soap, a towel the size of a small African country, an electrical socket that only works if the bathroom light is switched off and a change of clothes later, and I’m ready.
I step out of the hotel room and look around. I arrived late at night due to an unexplained delay involving baggage handlers and the phase of the moon. I was tired and didn’t really pay much attention to my surroundings so I need a minute to figure out how to get back to ground floor.
My stomach grumbles an appreciative response to the thought of breakfast. Helpfully, my room is at the end of a corridor so the only option is to turn right where I see this:
As you can see, there is a flight of stairs but since I am on the fifth floor, I discount that option. Look closely at the picture … do you see it? Do you notice that small wooden sign, on the right? Let me show you what I mean:
A-ha – the lift! Look at the original picture again. Clearly, the sign is pointing to … what? To the stairs? To the open window on the staircase?
I’m sure there was a lift as I do no remember hauling my luggage up 5 flights of stairs. I ignore the obviously incorrect sign and keep walking.
The lift, obviously, is further along the corridor.
I suppose it’s a good thing I’m not drunk or hangover …
Related Unexpected Traveller Posts:
- Bottling It Up
- Foreign(ers are) Nuts
- Secure Buildings
- Becoming Accustomed To It
- Land of the Fe and Home of the Brave
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Yep. It’s a good thing you did not try to find the lift outside the window.
I know … On the plus side though, it would have certainly woken me up!