Hostel living and life on the road.

Now not all hostels are the same but many of the popular and central ones are. I have noticed some of the following similarities during my stay at the HI in The Republique here in Paris;
Tiny locker storage (20cm square)(Luckily my macbook is tiny).
Dirty shower cubicles. Yesterday morning in the toilet my foot got wet while someone had a great shower in the next cubicle. The shower’s are hot though and ALWAYS make one feel better!
Breakfast, which they excitedly told me was included, was 2 dinner rolls and some peach puree. Oh there was coffee and juice.
I suppose its like camping. I have to take my purse to the toilet with me because the room’s don’t lock.
You have someone crawling into the bed above you (which by rights should not be a bunk with it’s flimsy steel poles) at 2am in the morning only to have them snore for the rest of the night because they’re so drunk.
It’s a youthful venture as I survey my scars. I find when I’m on the road – carrying bags etc I get more scratches and bumps. It’s a more physical environment. Once my body gets used to it again I love it because I feel stronger. Stronger to haul that 15 kilo bag up on the overhang, stronger to take up a challenge or more forgiving of myself (and in turn, others) when my attempt at a new language/new venture flop/s.
Last night someone got locked out down the hall and banged the door for a good hour. This morning I can hear someone coughing up his guts and gargling. Note* he’s in the girls dorm area doing it!
I shouldn’t complain – I paid 65 Euro for three nights ($150ish) which is quite good in Central Paris. I’m sure there are better but it’s impossible to research.