DAY 59

“That’s Hansen, H A N S E N” Lasse says every time they check in. It’s a huge difference between being Norwegian and Swedish when you travel, or at least Anders and Lasse thinks so. And since Lasse has the easiest surname both to write and pronounce, it his name that is used everywhere. Even when it’s Anders turn to check in he still uses Lasse’s details. They also change Lasses given first name which obviously is Lasse, to his middle name Erik or “Eric”, whatever is the easiest for the person working in the front desk. No difference if it’s caravan park, motel, hostel or hotel like today. It’s Friday and they have checked into Hilton on the heart of Brisbane. The hotel has 25 floors and the Norwegian boys stays at the 24th. Here they will relax by the pool and celebrate New Years Eve before the Expedition continues on the 2nd of January 2017.

A while ago Anders checked in at a caravan park, “that’s Eric with a C and Hansen with EN in the end”. This was before Lasse arrived. Anders continues chatting with the owner that knows Norway very well. The conversation goes to an end when Lasse walks in. The owner says something and addresses it by Eric and by old habit of course Lasse answers. “Oh your name
Is Eric to?” The owner asks Lasse. Anders and Lasse looks at each other a bit confused before Anders answers “Eric is his name, I just use it when we check in because it’s a lot easier than my Norwegian name”. Anders follows up by saying “Kjensli” in the most Norwegian way possible. The man behind the register laughs and understands and says “Eric Hansen it is”.

Another time almost the same happened. Anders gave Lasse’s name, nationality but his own number. It all went smooth before the lady asked for email. It stops up for Anders who can’t say my name is Eric Hansen, but my email is Anders.kjensli@… . Anders looks over at Lasse and says in Norwegian “yes I can not say my email”. Lasse steps in and to the lady behind the register it seems like Anders abilities is limited and that he doesn’t know his own email.

After having observed the hotel life in cities like Sydney, Bangkok, New York, Brisbane, Las Vegas, Rio and Los Angeles, Anders and Lasse have gathered a few tips when it comes to hotels.

– Always search sorted by stars high-low and not price low high.
– Make sure the hotel has a tennis court, pool, gym, restaurant, concierge and executive lounge.
– Leave your car to the guy at the front door with pride, even if you drive something that clearly indicates you should have stayed at a caravan park instead of Hilton.
– Pretend that you are used to people calling you sir, carries you luggage and put napkins in your lap.
– Enjoy the small piece of cheap luxury, the everyday life like canned beans and tents will catch-up soon enough anyway.
– Genuine and truly professional service is an own experience worth paying a few extra dollars for.

Awesomestralia – a normal life is boring