Bolong Tang
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An authentic 1910s architectural experience with a farmer’s breakfast that may bring shocks both delightful and distasteful.
It was a short walk from downtown. We ate at a Vietnamese restaurant nearby and strolled on the trail by the river until sunset.
We had two rooms, one 1st floor and one 2nd floor. Both were small, colorful, and abundantly decorated with hangings and frames. It was like living inside a museum.
One bathroom has a sink that has two faucets, one for steaming hot water only, and the other for freezing cold water only. In other words, you need a container to get warm water which you can wash your hands with.
You need your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You may use the new soaps and the towels that the house provides. The shower needed professional fine tuning before it would provide water in the right temperature (we failed to do that).
There were two stairs: one hidden and narrow, connecting the 1st and the 2nd floor; one open and wide, leading from the 2nd floor toward the yard.
Every board on the ground was squeaky and no door stops on its own if not stopped.
Mr. McKenzie was a man passionate about running this place. He bought it back in 1995, saving it from its planned demolition, and transformed it into a slightly newer and significantly safer house that it is now. He was there when we arrived at 4, he was still awake at 11, and he got up before 7. He allowed us to use his fridge for the night. He told us stories during breakfast.
We didn’t find heaters, and the ACs through the window were either fan-only or sending cool air. The blackout curtain was difficult to operate when I tried to let the sun in.
My breakfast was ployes (healthier pancake), syrup, and jams. Other options included cereal and bread (with bread heater).
If you come for business, avoid at all costs. If you come for culture, you will have an amazing experience.