Lights out in the dorm is eleven. I’m tired, but I won’t be able to sleep with all that rustling, whispering, and occasional banging. I could feel my irritation rising. It cannot be helped: the dorm seems to amplify every sound. And folks have to sort their stuff out in the ridulously small space if their bed, while also sat on it.

I panicked at one point last night when I couldn’t find my sleep mask. Without its total blackness I definitely wouldn’t be able to sleep. I looked everywhere (as quietly as I could) before finally finding that I was sat on it.

Idiot!

I was tired, and it didn’t take long for me to get off – and stay off – once it’s had the obligatory wee or three needed by people with prostates beyond a certain age. I expect that annoyed the others in the room.

Much later (like morning later) I am kinda lying there wondering what the time is. I’ve not heard too many people get ready for the day, so I figure that it’s still early.

Suddenly, I receive a message on my phone:

Nordy!

It’s my Dom, puppy daddy, and friend, Funiculosus messaging to wish me a good day.

It is also 1030 … checkout is at 11!

I have thirty minutes to shower, finalise my packing, and get my arse to reception!

I was glad that I’d had the foresight to do most of my packing last night!

Showering doesn’t take too long, nether did the post shower rituals of testosterone gel, contact lenses, and body spray. I can see that I caught the sun on my shoulders the day before. Must have been the exposed heights of Tibidado and the gentle breeze.

The remaining sort out didn’t take long. It was my turn to rustle, rattle, and whisper.

A key issue was the donning of the underwear. There was a young woman on the bunk across from mine. However, there was nothing for it but to risk flashing my pasty white buttocks at her while I hurriedly slid on my undies.

Finally, I was ready to leave. Five minutes to spare!

I waddled downstairs to reception. My bags heavier sand now stuffed with the things I’d bought in Barcelona. A few T shirts for me and friends, and a few books. Books are heavy.

I was greeted by name by brown eyes.

<sigh>

Goodbye brown eyes!

<horror>

I was too late for breakfast!!!

At least Bilbo had started his second breakfast before his adventure, even if he did forget his pocket handkerchiefs!

It’s not all bad though – less than a minute from the hostel was a little corner cafe which served the smoothest latte and tasty empanada.

Now, I just have to remember which of the one thousand pockets in my bags I put my morning pills…