When Dreams of Paradise Turn Sour

Sheila had been planning this beach trip for months. Meticulously, she combed through blogs, Instagram posts, and reviews. Every image of the pristine blue waters and golden sands convinced her this was the getaway she deserved.

As the bus neared the tourist spot, Sheila’s excitement bubbled over. She messaged her best friend: "Finally, the beach I’ve been dreaming about for months. Can’t wait to feel the sand under my feet!"

The initial hiccup came as soon as she stepped into her hotel. The receptionist barely looked up and muttered, "Check-in time is 2 PM. You’re early."

Sheila: "I know, but I’ve had a long journey. Can you check if the room is ready?"
Receptionist: "Rules are rules, ma’am. You’ll have to wait in the lounge."

Disheartened, Sheila dragged her suitcase to the dingy lounge area, where the air conditioning barely worked. She texted her friend: "Hotel staff are so rude! Not the start I expected."

After freshening up, Sheila headed to the beach she had been dreaming about. But reality hit her like a wave—crowds swarmed the shore, leaving litter in their wake. The water wasn’t the sparkling blue from the photos but murky with floating debris.

Sheila (to herself): "This... can’t be the same beach. Did I come to the wrong place?"

Determined to salvage the moment, she headed to a shack for some famous beachside snacks. But the fried fish was overly oily, and the coconut water tasted off.

Sheila (to the shack owner): "Is this fresh fish? It doesn’t taste right."
Shack Owner: "Fresh this morning, madam. Maybe you’re not used to our spices."

Feeling queasy, Sheila left most of the food untouched and messaged her friend: "Even the food here is a disaster. I feel like throwing up."

Sheila stayed at the beach until sunset, hoping the golden hour would redeem the experience. It didn’t. Even the photos she took failed to capture any magic. A group of rowdy tourists made her feel unsafe, and she clutched her bag tightly the entire time.

Sheila (texting her family group): "This trip is a waste. Not worth the money or effort."
Her Mom: "Come back early if it’s that bad, beta. No point staying there."
Sheila: "Might as well finish the trip. Already paid for everything."

Back at the hotel, Sheila hoped the dinner would make up for the day. The food was passable but not memorable. Just as she was about to call it a night, her phone rang—it was the front desk.

Receptionist: "Ma’am, just confirming, you’ll be checking out tomorrow morning, correct?"
Sheila: "Yes. Why are you calling me about this at 10 PM?"
Receptionist: "Just routine. Also, would you like to provide feedback now?"
Sheila: "Feedback? You don’t want to hear it tonight!"

Rolling her eyes, she hung up. Ten minutes later, another call came from the same desk, asking if she needed additional towels.

Sheila (muttering): "Is this a hotel or a torture chamber?"

As Sheila packed her bags the next morning, she reflected on the trip. She had spent time, energy, and money expecting a slice of paradise but found none of the magic the internet had promised.

Sheila (to her friend on a call): "Never again will I trust Instagram photos. Next time, I’m going somewhere quieter, or better yet, planning properly."
Friend: "At least you’ve learned what to avoid. Look at it as an adventure you won’t repeat!"

With a resigned smile, Sheila boarded the cab back to the bus station, vowing her next trip would be on her terms and better researched.