The Perks of the Fraternity Hostel

In traveling to Antigua I ended up staying at the Black Cat Hostel, which is something of a chain hostel in that they have one of these in Xela, too. It is the type of hostel that sports a restaurant and bar with breakfast included for its guests rather than providing an open kitchen for their use. Having eaten at the Black Cat in Xela on a handful of Sundays when my host family had the day off from me, I anticipated breakfast at least would be good and plentiful. It is always a benefit to start off the day with a hearty meal when traveling because then I can usually get away with only eating one more meal that day saving on the budget. Originally I was going to stay in a place recommended by another Celas Maya student which was described as tranquil with a beautiful rooftop patio, however, unlike the Black Cat this place never emailed me back to confirm availability.

Upon arriving at the Black Cat I was placed in one of the dorm rooms located in the center of the social spaces of the hostel. Only after returning to my room later did I notice that directly next to my bed and above where I would be sleeping was a large window which opened up to all this action. And above it was simply a ventilation space of sorts which could not be closed off at all. Remember, this hostel hosts a bar and restaurant, so it is more than a little bit social, especially in the evening onward hours.

Thank goodness I have learned to travel with earplugs and face masks (the type the airlines used to give you when you traveled internationally long distances, not sure if they do anymore). These didn't block out all the commotion, and to be completely honest I spent those first several sleepless hours wondering what the hell I was thinking staying in this hostel. It was not the Jungle Party Hostel (yep, it's actual name), but it was also not the tranquility of the described rooftop garden of Yellow House either. Finally, I found myself making my way to dreamland and my frustrations subsided.

Generally, I find it is too much of a hassel to move once I am staying in a hostel, especially if I am not going to be there for too many days. Plus, I had already booked my shuttle to the airport and this is the location from which they were scheduled to pick me up. Sure, I could have changed that too, but that's always a risk in a place where systems do not always work as one would hope. So, annoyances in hand, I settled into the Black Cat.

And then I began to become part of conversations with the young people staying with me about their travels, and it all started to make sense as to why I would stay in this noisy, not always the most coureous of others, hostel. I got to share what I had experienced in Guatemala and other places with new travelers. And I do not mean travel hot spots they should not miss or where to find the cheapest drinks in town, I am talking about all the less definable stuff that comes with and from being away from home. I saw the relief in the eyes of a young woman who has been nominated for the Peace Corps in the Caribbean when I told her not to worry about her technical skills and to focus on being a part of her community in the islands. I felt the energy grow in a young man who was eager to work and live abroad, but had not idea where to begin, when I shared the multiple ways in which I had done it myself. And then there was just the simple reassurance to many that going home was not the worst thing in the world, that traveling and living abroad is a means in which to be better and do better when you are at home.

If I had stayed in the Yellow House with it's beautiful rooftop garden and pleasant rooms (which it does have), I probably would have never had these conversations with anyone. And so I am reminded once again that sometimes putting oneself in the uncomfortable position is the best way to go.