Hostels

In case i have not mentioned it, or you missed it, i joined the HI, Hostels International, the orange circle logo with the green tree inside. (there are a couple hostel assns. out there) Cost is about 30$ a year, and you get really pretty nice places to stay. Now you can stay without being a member, but you do get a discount if you join up. They have a travel insurance and some other benefits built into the program. Did you know that in Califronia, a number of the coastal lighthouses are part of the Hostel system?! Can you imagine the cost of staying overmight in SFO? there is a hostel for that!
http://www.hihostels.com/
my stay has been about $30 US a night. I get kitchen priveledges, self cleaning, and fun folks to talk to and meet. I am in a room with a couple others, somehow i missed the booking button for the private room (10 extra a night) but it's all good. Bathroom and shoer in the room, lockers you can rent for anything too valuable to lea ve out, and comfy room and bed. I am just glad i got here early to get a bottom bunk, though anyone i had to sleep above might be willing to give it up!
The one I am staying in is here, and the pictures are pretty spot on;
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel026001.en.htm?himap=Y#book
except for the northern lights one, that is waay too dark for this time of year.
The staff has been very helpful, though i think they are used to veteran users of the system. YOu will need to make it clear if you are a hostel virgin so that they tell you all the stuff you need to know!
Many of them can help you book your day trips and arrange your transportation in the area. Look over all the brochures on the system, and the hostel you are at in particular. Ask the staff questions, ask other hostellers questions, donl' be shy. if you want ot stick to yourself then pay extra and stay at a hotel! This is fun,and you really do get to meet people form around the world. Somthing i think more Americans need to do. We are too closed in our culture and view of the world.
So far this week, English, Scottish, French, Swiss, Kiwi's, Icelanders, Canadians, Spaniards, Austrians, and those are just the ones i talked to! Oh,a couple of other Americans too. Some young, high school age, some older. In all a good time and a lot of fun, even if i do not drink alcohol!