The introvert's guide to B&Bs

Choosing the right place to stay when you travel is important, says Elsabé Brits, especially if you have issues with strangers and small talk.

- Elsabe Brits

The best B&B in the world must exist somewhere, but I haven’t found it yet. Not that I haven’t tried: I often hear about a fantastic place and decide to try it out, but upon my arrival, I discover it’s a fantastic disappointment.

My main frustration with staying in a B&B or a small guesthouse usually has to do with the owners – they don’t seem to think the “Right of Admission Reserved” sign works both ways.

For example: A few years ago, I returned to the B&B I was staying at after a long, hot day on an archaeo­ logical site. I’m a journalist and I was covering the dig for a newspaper story. Before I jumped in the shower, I pulled off my clothes and lay down on the bed for five minutes of peace. But curiosity got the better of the owner… She suddenly appeared right next to my bed.

“What did you see today?” she asked with the enthusiasm of a Jack Russell. “We’d all love to know what’s going on there!”

The look of disbelief on my face quickly gave way to horror, and she vanished as quickly as she’d appeared. What on earth made her think I was her best buddy? I was a paying guest! I mean, really. Are there people who are happy to sit around in the buff having a conversation with a complete stranger?