$50

Originally Posted Monday, June 10, 2013

Fifty dollar hotel in Santa Fe.  I almost didn't do it.  I drove from Taos to Santa Fe this morning and got to the workshop right on time.  During the day, I asked if anyone was staying at the Santa Fe Suites which was recommended by the fellow running the show.  Grins all around.  Nope.  One woman (who I will talk about sometime this week) told me she stayed for an hour.  She couldn't do it. 

"Where are you staying?" I asked. 

"The Best Western."

"How much?"

"I got a suite for $95."

Hmm, I thought.  She's a semi-famous artist.  I think I'll try that.  So after the workshop was over, I used Google Maps to find it.  Jesus Christ, it was in a worse location than my bed bug inn.  Nope.  I couldn't do it.  It was next to a pawn shop for God's sake.  So I headed back.  It would be a badge of honor.  What the hell, I thought. 

When I checked in, things were a bit different.  I wasn't in a room overlooking the parking lot.  I got a second floor room on the backside of the hotel with a view across an arroyo and a lot of sky.  The a.c. works like a refrigerator, and I have a couch, a kitchen, a queen bed, and a big bathroom.  It isn't fancy, but Jesus. . . the Best Western?  Oh. . . and the best thing--the wifi works. 

So after checking in, I went up the street to the Whole Foods and bought things to put in the fridge.  I ate some stinky cheese and made a meal I make at home.  I had tiramisu after for desert.  And now, tired as I can be, I drink the evening's scotch and lean toward the bed.  I've even watched television.  All for $50.  And I'm about fifteen minutes closer to where I want to be than if I stayed at the other.  Nope.  Either go big or go small.  Never between. 

The demons are getting better, but they come and they go.  I am hoping they will leave me alone tonight.  I want nothing more than to sleep.