As I settled in for what I hoped would be a restful night at the hotel, fate had other plans. The Gran Hotel Victoria, where we were staying, had rented the terrace next to our bedroom for a birthday party. The noise level was akin to having a live band playing inside our room. I was informed that the party would end at 11 pm, but it continued boisterously until 1 am, disrupting any hope of rest. Meanwhile, Niek returned around midnight from his date, beaming with happiness.