A surprise in English

I book a hotel room in a tiny place in Malta. The website showed me exactly three hotels to choose from. The place is that tiny. Too late, I realized that my flight was arriving early morning, six hours before check-in time. I needed to notify the hotel because essentially, it is a house converted into a hotel where I need to ring the door bell. I cannot find an online email id. So I decide to make an international call, praying that someone understands English.

Hello?

Yes.

Do you speak English?

Yes.

I just made an online booking.

Yes.

I wanted to let you know that I will be arriving early in the morning.

Yes.

Will someone open the door?

Yes.

Can I leave my luggage with you?

Yes.

Great. I look forward to seeing you then.

Yes.

The man spoke nothing, absolutely nothing more than a yes during the entire conversation. I somehow knew that he did not understand English, and probably understood nothing of what I said. Darn, I should have taken a later flight. I should have chosen a different hotel with 24 hour reception.

My train of thought was not complete when I received an email within five minutes of the phone conversation.

"Dear sunshine,

We just spoke on the phone. We will do our best to get you an early check-in failing which there is a place to store your luggage. Thank you for choosing to stay with us. Please find the directions and the website of the bus service which will be in operation during the time you are here. Last night bus is at 22:30 hrs. If you would like an airport transfer please let us know, the charge for all passengers = €15.00. If you are taking a cab or shuttle this is the address that you will need to give to the driver. Ring the bell of this door to be let in. 

Directions from the bus terminal: Please follow the directions carefully. (Meticulous directions provided). If possible could you send us your flight number or similar? The taxi fare from the airport is €15,00. The bus service is also very good provided you don't have heavy luggage as there is a short walk from the terminus. The most frequent bus is this number. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with? Regards, Name and WhatsApp number."

Wow! This guy wrote perfect English. I wonder why he said nothing more than a yes on the phone. Living in this part of Germany always makes me assume that most people do not speak English.

The guy turned out to be an Englishman!

sunshine