Once in a great while, a person sets out on an adventure in life that seems to be packed with danger, and turns out to be the safest step one has made in a very long time. When I was offered the chance to travel, and see places that usually only the old or rich visit, I contemplated it for only a single moment, then jumped on it without looking back. Last year, I had such an offer, which at first was amazing, then absolutely incredible, then life changing.
***Since 1997, I had not left the confines of the United States for even a single moment, and before 1997, my only time out of it was a small cruise with my parents. Over time, I have rode a slippery slope straight down, seeing many possible outcomes of my life. I could have wound up a fat, bald truck driver, a forgettable RaceTrac store manager, an invisible apartment porter, or just another warehouse worker, but instead, I currently flip burgers at a resturaunt in the small city of North Richland Hills, Tx. When I say flip burgers, I really mean, that I flip pieces of dead cow, on a grill, for 8 hours a day, for just above minimum wage. In my past I have made a decent living, and felt like I was doing well, but have just let it slip, until I have found myself here.***
When the offer came, and I jumped on it, I was afforded the opportunity to renew my passport, and take a voyage to the ancient city of Rome, Italy, and the island of Mykonos, Greece. Mind you, I am not a rich tourist, nor an old retiree, but a below average joe whom should never be allowed in a place like Mykonos, which some people making far more than I could dream of, might never get to see. I will not say I didn't like it, but for me, it was an impossible destination, that I was given the opportunity to see, feel, and take in. However at the end, I was glad to be leaving, as I really had no business being there.
HERES SOME RULES FOR THE AVERAGE JOE TRAVELER in Rome/Mykonos::
1. If you can avoid paying for anything, go for it!
2. If you have to pay for something, get ready to say goodbye to a large chunk.
3. Food isn't cheap, unless you really like crap. Remember, you can survive on crap!
4. Everything you see has been marked up perhaps 1000%, get ready for $20.00 shorts to retail for close to $300.00 in Mykonos...and they are still sold for this price!
5. Everyone you see is much richer than you!
6. Drinks are more expensive than dinner for four at Subway!
When walking through a place like Rome, it is best to remember that the pedestrian is king of the road. Feel free to walk anywhere, except for the highway, as the drivers are bred to stop for you. Occasionally if you let the drivers pass, you get confused looks, or a nod thanking you, but I wouldn't let this be the rule all the time. Also, it's quite comical to find out the bums drink in excess, the very same beverage that costs an excessive amount in the United States all because it's "IMPORTED FROM ITALY". Often, I found myself finding expensive objects(in the US), that were dirt cheap, or just considered to be "trash" to the locals.
On the food side of things, one thing that you will find alot of in rome is....GELATO!!! I included a picture of it, as it was simply the best version of ice cream in the world. Everywhere you find a place offering their own varieties of the stuff, all made there in the store. Also, if you eat out, and they have TIRAMISU on the menu, ORDER IT! You will not be dissappointed by it's oft rich flavors that include chocolate, coffee, and cream, in the right amounts to provide ectasy. I can never find the tastes of Italy here in the United States, only cheap copies.
When you find yourself treated to trips like this, how can you look at your average life as a burger flipper the same way? How many guys flipping dead cows get the chance to take a trip like this, without any worries of expenses? Well, I was one of the few that can make this boast, and my adventures have not come to an end, more as it comes to me(remember..burger flipper...usually spells out pot smoking..which is unfortunately the truth in my case)
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