The Stranger I Never Met

Something really strange happened the other day. In fact it was something awful. At the time I didn't feel to write about it, but an idea has been forming in my canine brain.

Have you ever stopped to think about what happened to all the strangers you never met today? The people that could have touched your lives, but didn't. Often we meet people we never could have guessed we would. Here at the hostel of course I meet new people every single day, the vast majority of which I would never have met were I not here at the hostel. Some of these chanced meetings could lead to life long friendships, true love or simply remain amazing memories. When we meet people like this we sometimes think of fate or destiny. But what about those people that should have come to the hostel, but then for whatever reason, didn't. What happened to them, why didn't they come? Were we destined never to meet after all?

At the hostel I know that I should have met these people, thanks to the handy reservations list we have! But lets say I'm out for a walk. I meet a guy with a shopping bag meandering up the road. Then two little old ladies out for their evening stroll stop to tell me how beautiful I am. Then I see a group of Chinese girls running across the road. Another man comes jogging past me. A young couple holding hands don't see me because they're too engrossed in each other to notice the world. A girl who stops to chat because her new Boxer puppy arrives at his new home tomorrow, what a coincidence!

I met all these people because they happened to be walking along the same road as I, at the same time. But I will most likely never know who else planned to have been walking that road too, and for some reason they didn't arrive. Were they just late? Did they choose a different road at the last minute? Or did they get lost? Perhaps they got sick, or worse? Maybe they met a long lost friend and got chatting about the good old days? The reasons, as well as the people, I may never know.

So to all the strangers I never met, but should have; take care of yourselves, because it only takes a second to change the world. And not always for the better.

50 Year Old Girl Does Europe

When a young backpacker comes to the hostel, you can sometimes expect to have to mother them a bit. Boys and girls of all nationalities needing help in all kinds of situations; how to book a train, where can they find a cheap hostel in Rome, calling the doctor when they're ill, making sure they make it to bed after a heavy night on the town, how to cook pasta properly, arranging to send on their forgotten belongings, how can they get to Venice and back in a day without spending more than €20....the list goes on.

What is not often encountered however is the mother who has travelled across the world alone, yet is seemingly incapable of even the simplest tasks. Compound this problem with a stolen purse and an unsympathetic hubby on the other side of the planet and you get a very interesting result indeed. The 50 year old girl.

This girl does not know how to access her emails. This girl does not know how to use the phone to dial abroad. This girl does not know how to explain her dire situation to those who can help. This girl does not know how she can receive money wired from home, or even in fact that money CAN be wired from home. This girl does not know how she can book her museum tickets. She does not know what she can eat for dinner. This girl seems to be reliant on someone else to take care of her every need. This girl's thought processes seem to jump sporadically from one unrelated thought process to the other, you can even hear them if you listen closely. Shhhhhh....boing, boing, boing!!

All these things we expect from the 18 year old student, never before been out of their own town by themselves let alone to another country. When this species of traveller is encountered we are patient, sympathetic, caring and we want to help. But with this newly found breed we find our patience lacking, our lack of sympathy is astounding, we care for their troubles about as much as we care about the weather in Norway and our desire to help diminished. But why?

I don't think there is any deep reasoning behind this, I suppose we just expect more. And when ones expectations are compromised I guess we feel let down by life. Or maybe we're just so tired of looking after the real kids, that we just can't be arsed! In any case, at least she has one great quality that all mothers have, she's not scared of a bit of poo.

Equal Rights for Whites!!

Hmmm....I swore to myself that I wouldn't use this blog to raise this issue but even in these early days prejudice has raised it's ugly head.

Today, the creepy guy downstairs said some things that really got to me....that I should have been killed...that I have genetic defects....that I was given away for free because nobody would want me....that my new family are so kind to have taken pity on me and saved my poor little life....the insults go on.

Can I just clarify some things??
1. About 25% of us Boxers are white because all 'Flashy' Boxers carry the gene for white.
2. This is apparently because the original Boxers were white, but then because we were employed as police dogs they wanted darker colours so as not to be easily seen at night. Thusly us whiteys became less common.
3. Now the 'breed standard' for showing does not allow White Boxers (but we can compete in agility classes, so we can't be soooooo bad!).
4. This apparently led to a lot of breeders killing the white pups at birth because they couldn't make them a profit.
5. It seems this has caused many people to believe nasty rumours that us whiteys have defects such as increased health problems, deafness, hyperactivity etc.etc
6. It is true that white dogs are more prone to deafness, and our skin is more sensitive to the sun, but this is true of all breeds, not just us!
7. I think people who believe all this crap are just IDIOTS!!! Especially creepy guy downstairs.

If you think otherwise you can sniff my ass ; P

Geography for Americans

Question: 'So, what do you want to do while you're in Florence?'

Answer: 'See the leaning tower.'

Response: 'Which isn't in Florence....'

In total shock and dismay: 'REALLY???!!!'

FYI....the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in fact, in Pisa.

Later that day: 'Southern Italy is in the south, right?'

Response: 'sigh'

According to a current (American) guest, 60% of Americans never leave their home state. Is this true or one off those made up facts? Maybe the truer statement is 60% of Americans don't know anything about the world outside their own state. Although I'm assured they know the difference between North and South....

Finalmente!!

So, the day finally arrived and I'm now at my new post as Hostel Dog! It's exciting stuff and I've got a lot to learn, it's a BIG responsibility looking after all these people. For now I'm just learning the ropes, checking people when they come in, making them feel welcome (lots of licks seems to do the trick). Unfortunately it's so hot at the minute, I just want to sleep most of the time. 41 degrees in Florence today! But I do make the effort with the guests, carrying their shoes for them, entertaining them (they go goo-goo when I chase my ball around, bless them!) although I have to say, I do enjoy doing these things, is it wrong to enjoy your job?

One problem I have with this place tho is the stairs! We live on the top floor, three flights of stairs everytime I need the bathroom! Luckily for me the human elavator is a pretty comfortable ride.

All the guests at the minute seem pretty nice, they all give me lots of kisses and cuddles, except for one who tells me she doesn't like mammals only insects and reptiles! I will keep you updated because I'm assured things are usually a lot crazier in this place, but for now I'm off for a nap, ciao!!

Coming soon....

....in the meantime you can check out Fiona's new home B&B Maison on facebook!