04/25/06

     Hotel the Golden Bear was hardly the lap of luxury; however, you couldn't stay at a more attentive place.  Upon checking in, I knew I was dealing with hospitality of a foreign sort.  During the course of my initial conversation with Jorg at the front desk, I had a distinct impression I was being sized up, that my character was being evaluated, not to be judged, but to be met.  The check-in process was surprisingly simple, your basic-info hotel card, though printed in Dutch, I was told about the breakfast schedule, the shower locations, warned to be careful of the stairs, and informed of the on-the-house condom supply.  Jorg gave a map, winked, and encouraged me to make myself at home.  I did.