Minus me missing my flight back to Manchester, and therefore the corresponding train tickets up to Scotland. I also cancelled my hostel reservation, and now it turns out that I can't find any place to stay in Scotland from the 10th to the 13th. But we'll deal with that later...
So why am I lucky, you ask? Well, let's start back in Tilos. I was on the ferry from Rhodes, when I was approached by a guy wearing military gear. His name was Nick, and he is stationed in Tilos for the next few months. We got to talking, and he was really worried that I wouldn't be able to find a place to stay. I was completely fine about it - on the islands, it doesn't matter if you have accomodation booked or not. People actually approach you and ask you if you need a room - and so I wasn't worried.
He ended up offering me his floor (he doesn't have a couch). I didn't get any "bad vibes" from him, not in the least. He looked quite young, and as it turns out he was 18. So I accepted, and ended up staying two nights free of charge. He even rented a motorcycle and took me all over the island. We had a great day together, and in the end I think I only spent 10 euro on dinner.
Then I was back to Rhodes. I was planning on spending one night there before my plane - (I thought) it left on the sixth of August, a Sunday. Then my friend that I met earlier messaged me. His name was Harry, and he was searching for his relitives around Greece. His message said to meet him at the Olympic Palace Hotel.
When I pulled up from the Olympic Palace, I was amazed. The place was huge, and absolutely gorgeous. It's a five star resort, like the ones that my parents go to when they abandon us for Mexico. It turns out that Harry's uncle owns the place, and we can stay for free.
So I've spent the last two nights at an extremely luxerious resort for absolutely free. Not just the accomodation was free, but everything. We're talking free cocktails from the bar, free food, free room service, everything. Normally it all costs a ridiculous amount of money, but what's a few hundred euro between family?
So even though I missed my flight and won't be able to get up to Scotland until Thursday (and have no place to stay), I'm having a great time. I can't believe how lucky I am. This trip has taken me to the extreme ups and downs. One night I'm sleeping on a rock hard mattress with bugs crawling up the wall, and the next I'm a VIP in a five star hotel.
So that's a good way to end off my trip. I'm off to Manchester tomorrow, and then Scotland on Thursday. I can't entirely believe that it's all over. Being in Italy seems like ages ago, and being in Manchester even further back.
I'm also back in time for a big BBQ at my friend Vicky's on Wednesday evening. Everything is perfect. I can't believe this - I'm honestly bursting with excitement.
And as the sun sets in Rhodes, Greece, I can't help but reflect upon my last five and a half months. It's all coming to a close. I've gone places I never thought I could go, and done things I never thought I could have done. What's more is that I worked for this. I saved up my money working two jobs, made my way to England, found a house, a job, and a life. This is something that I wanted to do, and I've done it.
I am so happy.
posted by Lisa @ 8:15 AM
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