Travelling abroad to see a friend and she hasn't booked time off work

[seeitthroughmyeyes]

Hi all, long story short, I worked in an industry where everything is done via teams and online with occasionally travel abroad.
I made very good friends with a colleague who lives in Spain. She left the company last year and have both promised to meet in person.
I took the plunge and said I'll come out and see you this year once I know my dates with work etc. we both arranged a date for me to come out and I booked the flights there and then. We've not spoken much since as life gets in the way and we no longer work together everyday, which is fine.

Anyway, we were messaging today and I asked her what the plan was when I arrive and I've found out she 'couldn't' take the Friday off work because someone else at her job had and they require 3 people in the team. This is fine, no worries, would've just like to have known.

Also, it's bank holiday in the UK Monday so I'm not flying until late evening so I could spend as much time there with her. I've also found out, it's not a bank holiday in Spain and she hasn't managed to get that time off either. So for two of the days I'm going to be loitering around Spain by myself and a bit nagged off I've spent this money only to see her for two days.

I am hugely grateful that I do not have to pay for any accommodation, as I will be staying with her but AIBU to think she could've at least told me?

I wouldn’t think much about it and would just make the most of it.

Presumably you'll see her in the evenings, have dinner etc? It's not ideal but I don't think it's awful either. But then again I like spending time on my own.

No she isn't being unreasonable as two full days with her is quite intensive.

You will get breathing space on Friday and Monday to either go off to see something or do very little.

I've never spent time on my own in a different country personally, other than for work. So I'm not quite sure what I'll do apart from drink lots of cocktails in the sun, alone 🤣

Whereabouts in Spain are you going?

Maybe others could suggest places to go alone . I always travel by myself if I can, but I'd imagine it's daunting if it's something you aren't used to.

I'm going to Madrid

It'll be an adventure. Look up things to do in Madrid and do them!

You're very unreasonable. She's gracious enough to allow you to stay at hers, for free, and she has a employer she's responsible to, and she simply may not be able to take the time off without causing issues with her boss. If you aren't able to have an amazing time enjoying Madrid on your own during the day, I'd assume you can't handle being on your own at all, and in that case, stay home.

I think this is fine. I have so many people visit me I couldn't take time off work for them all or I'd use up my entire holiday allowance. Your friends presumably wants to save her holiday for when she can go away somewhere. You'll see her for two days and you can sightsee by yourself the rest of the time. Madrid is lovely, you'll enjoy yourself easily.

Book an experience with air b and b if you feel
Lonely like a walking tour

Do at least one of the open top bus tour routes. Spend an hour studying Picasso's Guernica. Get a drink and people watch in the Plaza Mayor. Stroll through El Retiro park - don't miss the statue of Lucifer, the fallen angel.

So much more. If you like art, Madrid has enough galleries to keep you occupied for days.

YABU

Sorry OP but it drives me absolutely crackers when people do this - we have so many people come and visit us and I could never take leave as I would never get to take a holiday with my own family. I assume you are getting free board and lodgings at hers in a very awesome country?

Sounds alright to me. The Friday can be get your bearings day. Get unpacked, go for a little walk, relax and have a drink. On the Monday you can pack at leisure and make her a nice dinner for when she gets hime from work to say thanks.

YABU. Enjoy the luxury of two days in Madrid to fill with whatever you want to do. The worst guests are those who come expecting to-be entertained constantly, with no ideas of what they want to do and no ability to entertain themselves.

I've also found out, it's not a bank holiday in Spain

Aren't bank holidays a British thing? I live abroad and have had to explain the concept to people from other countries -but I genuinely don't know and am interested now!

You want her to use her annual leave to show you around? Bloody hell, where's your initiative?

maybe she thought you wouldn’t actually go. It all sounds a bit…intense.

There’s so much to do in Madrid if you want to do stuff!! You are being unreasonable- you can do touristy stuff fri and mon and spend quality time w her on the weekend

The Spanish do have bank holidays just different days to us, which I wasn't aware of

Perfect, thank you!

Public holidays happen everywhere, no idea why anyone would think they are the same dates as UK

Whenever I’m in a new city alone I turn up to a free walking tour and usually meet/chat with other solo travelers.
Tours typically go for 2-3 hrs. Just google free walking tours.
Often different ones are on in the morning and afternoon.
If you do this on the Friday you will get your bearings of the city and the guides will often point out other places of interest worth visiting.

They are advertised as free and no obligation to pay but you are invited to make a donation if you enjoyed the tour. The guides are often uni students studying arts, history or something similar but they really make it interesting and entertaining and you really want to tip them. I’ve been on approximately 20 tours and never disappointed.

Madrid is an amazing city. Dh and I went there years ago. You’ll have a great time as there is so much to do. The Royal Palace and gardens are spectacular.

You’ve not really spoken since booking the flights!? How close are you to this person, it doesn’t sound like you’re super close?

OP, please don’t be intense. Of course this person wouldn’t be expected to use her leave to babysit you. I’m sure she’d expect a grown adult to be able to entertain herself.