Hostelblogging

It’s Monday October 16th and I’ve been up from ‘bout 06:30, so not much sleep last night after a great dinner at RUMI. I still can’t pick up an internet connection so I call and confirm my two appointments today. My first appointment is with Roberto Chinn-Foo from Auberge Maeva Montreal at 11:30, so I better leave shortly because I’m really not impressed with the local transportation here. I follow directions to Metro Lucien Allier and this property is literally just two minutes away but I realize that when I was departing because they probably didn’t want me to get lost so I got another set of directions…lol. Upon my arrival I see Roberto leaving and I immediately know it’s him even though we haven’t met yet and he soon returns and then we formally introduce ourselves. I’m offered a beverage and then we sit in the kitchen area with his wife Karina and Robin who seems to watch over the computers and implementing a more efficient environment. I start informing Roberto and Karina that this meeting is suppose to be a very relaxed meeting and I’m not her to place judgment, rather I’m here to support their business needs and how we can look to advance your bookings by taking a more detailed look at your facilities and area. It takes a while but it seems like Robert is trying loosen up and then we continue on some of the advantages of coming to his property. Immediately, I can see why past patrons see this has a homely environment…lots of interaction in the kitchen area, food seems to do that. I didn’t get her name but the cleaning lady is all smiles and cheerful, always reminding me how clean this place is and that I should have come when she’s finished, but I remind her that anything she touches will shine…not sure if she understood me, but she smiled even more. You see I do introduce myself but I like people thinking that I’m just one of the many people coming to stay…and then drop it on them. Each room got it’s on personality or at least a different color and all those that I saw had a sink and cabinets that could easily double up as lockers if they work it out and do a little work. Did I say this place was colorful…well, if I didn’t now you know. Roberto and Karina are world travelers and should have some stories to tell you, I didn’t ask if there’s a story behind the snow shoes but you can. No ensuites here, but if there was that would take away from their focus of their personal interpretation of what a hostel was and is. By the time you read this Robin may have started a cycle or walking tour, so I’m cheering you on mate and enjoy.