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A
typical trekkers lodge in the hills has a central
dining room with wooden tables and plank seats or, in
some lodges, chairs. The kitchen is either at one end
of the dining room or in a separate, adjacent room. In
either case, smoke from a wood fire or the roar
of a kerosene stove often permeates the eating areas.
The kitchen doubles as the lodge owners family room,
so meals for the elders and kids of the house are
prepared - and often served- alongside yours. Despite
the proximity of the family, there's not much
opportunity for conversation or cultural interaction
because of all the rushing around preparing food for
hotel guest and the family.
if you opt for dormitory facilities, you'll usually
get a narrow wooden cot and share the room with other
trekkers and in some places, local porters. if
the hotel has private rooms, the rooms will usually by
the minimum size to accommodate two beds. The walls
and door will be wood, or in more rustic lodges,
bamboo mats or even curtains. Some places provide a
cotton quit and hard pillow, but don't count on
finding these everywhere. There may be a table, and
you can always ask the lodge owner for a candle, but
that's usually the extent of the amenities. Some
up-market facilities feature double beds, private
toilets and hangers for clothing, but these are not
common.
Beds are wooden bench-like structures with either a
cotton or foam mattress, usually covered with a sheet
that in the better establishments will be freshly
laundered. The common toilet is usually in a shed
outside; in most places it will be of the Asian
squatting variety and will usually have a tin for
collection of used toilet paper, which the lodge
keeper will burn rather than risk clogging up the loo.
There will also be a bucket or water or a tap (faucet)
should you choose to clean up in the local manner -
using your left hand. Most hotels keep their toilets
surprisingly clean.
Try to be gentle, helpful and understanding as you
deal with hotel keepers. You assistance and advice can
help them improve their facilities and service, and
thereby earn more money to support their families. |
