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?

Wanting them to tell you what to do is though

No, but it’s aligned to Labour Day, which is a commonly celebrated festival.

The early May holiday is aligned to May Day (Labour Day) which is I think, fairly universal in Europe.

Deleted double post

Well no. That's not what I was commenting on.
A PP was wondering why on earth OP thought other countries might have the same BHs as the UK, and I said it wasn't that ridiculous a concept overall.

I love Madrid, there is a great food market in the city you should try.

San Miguel Market | market (mercadodesanmiguel.es)

2 days by myself in Madrid! infact 2 weeks by myself in Madrid, splendid!
how can you not think of what to do? visit a museum, a street market, go flamenco dancing. There must be loads to do, honestly 2 days won't be enough.

the bit i'd be a bit annoyed about is - what fun can you have if you have heavyish bags and have to carry them around on day 1 and 4 - yes you don't need much for a long weekend but even carting around a heavy rucksack is tiring after a bit.

if i'd known she wasn't around i'd have arrange to fly in Friday afternoon and back monday lunchtime. (or known i was going to cart my own bags around 2 days and know i can pack very light!)

the bit i'd be a bit annoyed about is - what fun can you have if you have heavyish bags and have to carry them around on day 1 and 4

There are train station lockers which will get around this issue.

People just don't think sometimes.
We spent 5 days in Berlin a while ago. More than a few people wondered what we would do there for 5 days; the sort of people that say e.g. "We've done Paris".

If you've never travelled alone it can seem daunting.

There will be so much you can do in Madrid that isn’t drinking cocktails alone - YABU!

Is this maybe some genius guerrilla marketing from the Madrid Tourist Board?! Because surely no-one is actually so clueless that they're unable to entertain themselves in a capital city for a couple of days!

I think you've got a point. It would be completely different if your primary motivation for the trip was to visit Madrid, and your friend offered to host you.

But that isn't what this trip is about - the whole point of you making the journey is for the two of you to be able to see each other in person. You're taking time off and you're also the one going to the expense and inconvenience of travelling in order to make it happen. Sure, there is the upside of enjoying time in a different country, but that isn't your reason from going. Now you find that your friend hasn't attached the same level of importance to you maximising your time together as you have. I get it.

Your friend is assuming you are an adult who can look after herself. It’s a reasonable assumption in most cases.

You can easily spend two days in the Prado.

State museums, and state run monuments are closed on Mondays, usually free days are on a Sunday. i.e. the Royal Palace is closed on a Monday and have a free tour on Sunday mornings. All she needs to do is look this up, Madrid has a lot of things to do/see and not necessarily expensive.

I’m stunned you think she should take time off to be with you as you’ve never entertained yourself before. She likely has lots of folks come out, she’d have fuck all holiday left. You’ve all weekend together, and each evening, it’s enough, surely you can get her to recommend places and go for a wander, you don’t need your hand holding.

Store your luggage, have a ball in Madrid, its a great city, there is so much to see and do . TIme to release your passivity and embrace your spirit of adventure,

There’s loads to do in Madrid.
Ask your friend or Google or get a guide book.
You may find it exhilarating to look around on your own, doing as you please.

Interesting- ty!

The PP was me 😂

Just do the main touristy bits on the Friday and Monday, if she lives there she’s probably not going to want to spend all weekend sightseeing. That leaves you Saturday and Sunday free to get a nice lunch, chat, have a few drinks and just spend time together.

Oh well. You get my point 😁

A. Should have asked her what she would like to do early in so you would know in advance.

B. She might have booked all her holiday already.

C. She might get a lot of “visitors” who expect her to take time off, but she doesn’t have the vacation days for “everyone”. Colleague of mine moved to UK from USA. Loads of friends from all phases of her life suddenly visiting and all expecting she has taken the week off , is running a b&b & doing guided tours. She started being blunt - I’m happy for you to stay in our guest room, I do work full-time and will be working the week u are in UK, let me know your plans and we can organize a night when you can take us to dinner and a show!

YABU. I'd absolutely love that set up.
I went to Madrid with work a few years ago and remember a beautiful city, great transport network, lots of interesting architecture ,coffee shops and bars. I'd love to potter around there on my own!
You'll be fine. Do a bit of research, and enjoy!