Years ago, I convinced my parents that I would have a lot more fun backpacking through Europe than hosting a huge 21st birthday party. They agreed, and my cousin M (the closest I had to a sister) joined me on my adventure. From Amsterdam to Hamburg to Paris, every city held some unexpected mishap, though we could always laugh about it later. One evening we found ourselves at Victoria Station, London, without having made any plans for a place to stay (these were the days before AirBnB and Google and so forth.)
We were relieved when a chap approached us, offering accommodation at various hostels. We boarded his minivan and were dropped off at a house near Knightsbridge. It was dark by then.
The chap behind the desk was friendly and claimed to be from Durban. We did not ask about his black eye.He told us our room was on the fourth floor and pointed us in the direction of a narrow staircase - not an elevator in sight!When we eventually got to the fourth floor, we were confronted with an unexpected scene. Sitting in the passageway was a group of young men and women, chatting noisily, smoking, drinking and playing cards.
Warm smiles greeted our trying-not-to-be-shocked faces.
We moved apologetically through the circle and opened the door to the communal bedroom.
All the beds were unmade except for our two and clothing was scattered everywhere. Our roommates had been there for days and had made themselves at home.
We went back out into the passage to chat. Our fellow guests were all from Argentina - and happy to have new faces around.
One of the girls introduced herself as Vanessa. I repeated her name out loud (to remember it) but she and her friends mistakenly thought I was saying my name was Vanessa.
They kept pointing at her and me, saying "Vanessa, Vanessa!" (Clearly happy that she had met her namesake). At the time it just seemed easier to let it go. As far as the Argentines were concerned, my name was Vanessa. Finished en klaar.
• 'The Notebook' is our new column about chance meetings and unforgettable encounters people have had on their travels. Send us your story - no more than 400 words - and, if published, you'll receive R500. Mail travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za with the word Notebook in the subject line...