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?

Sounds like you’re surprised that it’s not bank holiday in Spain. And the way you’ve put that she ““couldn’t” take the Friday off” sounds a bit narky tbh even though you said it’s fine.
Anyway, im sure she can point you in the way of some day time things to do/ go/ see. Its not like you’ll be stuck in the middle of Timbuktu. I travel to Spain by myself all the time. Just don’t go too far off the beaten track if you’re unsure. Enjoy it. Even just looking around the local area, going to the supermarket are going to be novel and fun

Spending time on my own in a different country is my favourite thing to do. Its such a joy. try not to think about it negatively and instead be excited and plan tgose two days for yourself. Nothing is better than going on a day trip where you are beholden to noone else, you want to spend 20 minutes staring at a painting, you can. You want to nip into that store you passed and spend an hour looking at nick nack, you can with noone else to worry about. Enjoy :)

I hope it went well OP and that you enjoyed your long weekend in Madrid.
Given that you've never actually met I think it would have been a bit too intense to spend four days together. Your trip sounds like the best of both worlds - you got quality time together and a place to stay, but also time to do your own thing.
I hope you discovered there's lots to do and see in Madrid - no need to sit alone getting drunk!

Spanish hours. She’ll prob pop out for coffee lunch and tea and have you out partying till 4am anyway. You’ll need a break from each other. She may well have thought you’d like to explore in her own whereas she prob doesn’t want to do the tourist thing in her own city. For me it would be the perfect balance.

I'm surprised at some of the responses on here. Unless you booked the holiday without confirming the dates with her first, I would also have expected her to have taken the days off work (and to tell you if she couldn't). Thank goodness it's just a short trip. And people piping up about your friends generosity- the OP could probably afford to pay for her own hotel if she wanted to holiday by herself!!

4 days spent with someone you've never met in person, all day every day is quite intense, you may not get on as well in person. I think I would be grateful for the down time while she is at work, look up local things to do and enjoy exploring.

Yes she should have told you, but don't see it as a bad thing, your still getting a holiday with free accommodation after all.