Rome and Hospitality

This past week i went to Rome for a few days and had the time of my life. This was the first time I slept in a hostel and let me tell you it was really cool. i got into the Hostel around 5pm not really knowing what to expect and wasnt surprised by the accomodation, a bunch of bunkbeds crammed into a small room. each bed had either a person on it or a backpack lying next to it. There were so many countries represented that i felt at was at a United Nations party or something. A few australian guys, some spanish guys, a few asian girls, some south african girls and of course a few americans. It was great to see everyone in the same room so peacfully, either keeping to themselves or branching out to a new friend. Next were the bathrooms... interesting to say the least. one that didnt have hot water, one that had a lamp brought into it because it lacked any real light fixture, and one that may or may not have been cleaned... ever, but we all made do with them. The kitchen was a bit better with various utencils left by passing travelers and a few cheap appliances that the hostel ownerhad sprung for, presumably after a few complaints from disastisfied guests. But it was really cozy and in a way, pretty homey. The next morning the walkathon began. i attempted to see every sight in rome in a day which i must say, i got pretty dang close. photo after photo, ancient ruin after ancient ruin, and priceless work of art after priceless work of art i saw damn near everything a tourist could hope for. Then the evening held even more of a treat. all of the guests rounded eachother together for a big night out led by the creepy, italian employee of the hostel. Truthfully it was a blast and everyone had fun so mission accomplished on the night out. the next morning my faint headache was evidence of a good night out and it was time to head back to switzerland for another big night out with the rugby guys... OLMA in all its drunken, swiss glory. countless beers, countless sausages (the food ones) and even more Hospitality. The Rugby family is all about showing the newcomer a good time, and that they did. After the first round of beers were bought and i had three beers in my hand i knew it was gonna be a good night. I was not disapointed, even after attempting to by a bite to eat for a few of the guys i was literally pushed away so my teammate could buy it for me. I was presently surprised by the generosity of the people here and the great hospitality of the Rugby Family. I guess thats what its all about.

Hospitality and a few beers

Swing Sets

So I was asked how I came up with the idea to travel and pretty much do nothing for 4 months and the answer came to me while i was in a park today, doing something i haven't done in years. Swinging on a swing set. I mean i've been on a swing set and i've kinda swung a little bit but today for like 20 minutes i really swung and it made me feel like a kid all over again then it hit me, I wanna feel something again. I came here with no backup plan, no safety net, and really putting off some major decisions in my life so i could feel something i haven't felt since i was probably 9 years old, careless. Not in the sense that i dont care about anything because i do. i care about my family and friends, i care about the people in Charlotte that are living there lives, i care about my teammates here and in Charlotte. But i mean it in the sense that a kid understands the world. They live for the moment and do what makes them feel good and aren't worried about tomorrow. I need that one more time before i take on the responsibility and consequence-full life of the college graduated, working man, with bills to pay and responsibilities and countless other things that every person must one day face. im excited to do those things and will do my very best at them when i really begin to do them but first.... I just wanna swing.