You might recall my adventure on Day 1 that required me to change rooms because of the construction noise. I’m not sure if I adequately conveyed the time pressure that I was under for that move. When I got to my new room I’d barely unzipped my suitcase to start unpacking when my colleagues called to let me know they were in the lobby and ready for me to join them. On that first evening I quickly unpacked in between getting back to the room after spending time in the office and before dinner.
Last night as I was changing for bed and thinking about what I’d be wearing for today’s adventures, I realized I couldn’t find my socks. That seemed strange and I realized I must have left them in the 1st room. I actually went back to the first room with my access card and tried to get into that room. I should mention it was about 1am. I hope the room was unoccupied, just in case. I suppose they’d have assumed I was inebriated if I was discovered. I wasn’t, although I was definitely exhausted. I headed for the lobby, planning to ask at the desk, however I convinced myself that since I was wearing clean socks that I’d donned that morning, surely I must have the socks somewhere in my room. I went back to my room without getting off the elevator, although I was joined by someone who was, in fact, inebriated so it wasn’t a wasted trip.
Back in my room I found my stash of socks tucked in the back pocket of the suitcase. I chided myself and went to bed.
In unrelated news I could not sleep. You would think exhaustion should lead to sleep, but this is often not the case. At close to 2am I realized that it was not missing socks I should be worried about but missing shirts. I called the front desk and they made note of my claim, asked me to call back after 6:30am when housekeeping would be in attendance and wished me a good night. Really all quite politely, as if they were often faced with such queries.
Eventually I did sleep and at 7am I sprang (or limped) from bed and called housekeeping. They did have my shirts (and 2 pairs of socks as a bonus)! Fortunately this means I can wear a clean shirt today (& not one of the dressier shirts I brought for the office).
It seems another good reason not to pack at midnight on the eve of a trip is so that I have a better handle on what’s come with me. If I went so far as to make a list of things to pack, I’d have that as a form of inventory on those bleary nights when I’m wondering where on earth my clothes have gotten off to. Especially if the journey involved unpacking, packing and unpacking again at the drop of a hammer or the turn of an electric drill.
Now I must shower, dress in clean clothes, have breakfast and begin today’s adventures, including a wine tour of the city. Although technically, I suppose today’s adventures are already well underway, at least you haven’t missed out on the more domestic of my adventures. Tonight I’ll be free to report on tales that involve foreign sights/sites I’ve seen. Assuming, that is, I don’t get back to the room too soused on apple wine (aka apfelwein, aka ebbelwoi, aka ebbelwei) to type.
Love,
Fran
