Airing Out in the Romp Volume 1 – My First Airbnb

Airing Out in the Romp Volume 1 – My First Airbnb

Airbnb near Coogee Beach, NSW AU, 2018

Let’s face it, folks, you cannot embrace the entire travel life by staying at an all-inclusive resort (unless you are in a country where it is necessary), and hotels are too bloody expensive.  So, what else can you do?  For me, there is only one way to stay – at a local’s home, and when available.  I have never done this before.  But what is the worst that can happen?  So, whilst back in the States, I found an affordable room near Coogee beach for just $35 AUD per night (~$45 USD).  Heaps cheaper than any hotel, especially when staying longer than a night and not employed anywhere since about late June.

Upon arrival at my new temporary home away from home at 177 Coogee Bay I

made a quick thank you and good-bye for now to Torri, my key in hand, up the flights of steps from the footpath near the road, I made it to my private space.  A place I can sleep for a moment with the door shut and windows open to smell the salt from the ocean air… I needed peace and quiet after 30+ hours of travel time.  But with Airbnb you gotta read the listing and you defiantly get what you pay.  I didn't expect a 5-star Hilton experience.  Leave that to those that enjoy the sterile travel life.  I like a little more flavor with my travel.

I gotta tell you, folks, you really get what you pay for with Airbnb.  My room… Well… There was only a goddam curtain separating me from the entertainment room/TV room.  Sigh again.  Roll with it.  Get a shower and I’ll feel better.  I can’t really change my clothes, they are still in China.  But there is a washer unit available, this is why Airbnb is the way to go when traveling.  Saves you money compared to Hotel and resorts.  Plus, you learn so much about the local customs and culture.  I didn’t want to disturb anyone.  So off to wind the bathroom and laundry room.  Apparently as quietly as I can for no reason at all.

Inside the building the white-painted building reminiscent of San Fran/Bay area homes, up the narrow stairs, through a dark hallway, and past the fabric curtains separating my “room” from the entertainment room (all the while trying to be courteous and quiet) I made it.  Getting over the fact that if someone watches “The Block” tonight, I won’t get any sleep…  Set the luggage down and opened the windows to let the Spring sea scented air in.  The sun shot through the three different sections of windows when I realized… I’ve not showered since I left Seattle.  Ah yes, the smell of a traveler is so aromatically pleasing to all. 

Roofus is the next-door neighbors' cat, NSW AU, 2018.  

I unpack some toiletries and off to the bathroom for a good rinse.  Folks, does anyone else walk differently on non-carpeted surfaces like me?  I always feel like I need to walk on my toes when I have no shoes on, so I don’t make sound signaling to anyone I am about to smash food in the kitchen, drop kids off at the pool after morning java, or alert anyone around that I am alive.  My toiletries in one hand and my laundry detergent in the other I found the washroom passing the kitchen on the way.  Oh, sweet Virgin Mary, blessed be the butt that gets washed after 24 hours of sitting in a pressurized Petri dished flying metal container circulating the immune attacking particulates from all who are present – air travel is great folks.  Regardless, I was very much looking forward to a much-needed rinse off and freshly laundered clothes.  They will feel amazing caressing my spoiled American romp.  Clean socks are a highly overlooked necessity, but I learned in the military to never underestimate within the everyday.  Also, reading instructions is something men are not good at.  I couldn’t figure out the washer.  Ok, the washer is out because I cannot figure how to operate it… Shower time.  But first, a message from my host in the form of a printed-out letter near the shower.

Shameless selfie on Airbnb balcony, NSW Australia, 2018

When you travel you begin to understand that back home, your “normal” life, has aspects that you truly take for granted.  Here in New South Wales, I found out half-naked and smelling like airplane recycled air that water has to be conserved in NSW.  Bloody hell folks!  NSW was in the middle of a terrible drought.  Upon a quick google search I found out over 60% of New South Wales (an Aussie State slightly bigger than Texas) was in a serious drought.  It was time to help the New South Wales farmer out by conserving water. 

Well, mates, I wanted to do my part.  I am all about embodying the spirit of a good guest.  Time to rough it a bit… Shower with my clothes on… Two birds, folks. 

I am here to tell you that afternoon my walk to seek out and destroy my first plate of authentically famous Aussie Fish ‘n Chips was done wearing soggy washer water laundered socks.  Maybe I should have just stuck with the airplane aired cologne I already wore so well.  Ladies, time to swipe right on my ingenuity and jet-lagged thought processes vs all the fresh-caught fish-holding men. But, in my mind, I did my part for the farmers of New South Wales.  Cheers from your Yankee cousin mates! Now it is past time to venture out in for a much-needed feed.

~~~©Dustin J. Casey 2021~~~