Unlike Ponyboy, some things can’t stay gold forever. This is the sad tale of my flip flops. No! They were more than flip flops. They were a statement, a statement that no matter how run down and bleak it all may seem, a little bit of positivity and bandage tape can go a long way. Or at least I thought.
To have so much sentimental value in flip flops might be concerning, but other travelers seem to share my enthusiasm. My zebra beauties were already reaching the end of their lives before I even left home, and I think it was in Croatia when they really fell apart, it was heartbreaking. Using McGuyver like ingenuity I put them back together with bandage tape and little shame. This did two things. First, it didn’t do much in terms of structural support. And two, it gave them character. Especially with all the random hostel hair stuck to the tape. In Zabljak they developed a strong odour. This scent was a cross between Buckley’s and mold. I don’t think they dried properly. This is when I started to quarantine them on the outside of my bag. Was I ashamed? No. Was I embarrassed? Yes.
When I hit Tirana they thought I was checking out early, so the merciless cleaning lady peered into this vile and rotten bag of filth, saw the clumps of hair stuck to the tape that were starting to pulsate and banished them to the garbage. Not the ceremonial end to the tale that I wanted to tell to my grandchildren, but sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way.
Oh and just another note, no matter how comfortable you are in a hostel, don’t leave your things unattended. A nice girl left her laptop on her bed for not longer than 30-45 minutes and in that time it was swiped. You’d think other backpackers are all in the same boat and wouldn’t steal, but unfortunately there’s some pretty scummy people no matter where you are.
RIP Lucy and Rita.
Amazing. I ended up throwing out my pink and black flip flops this weekend. I bought a replacement set about 6 months ago, but couldn’t find it in my to make the switch. Now the choice has been made and here I sit in my new flip flops. They’re oh so cozy but something just isn’t right.
Glad to hear you’re still having a blast and the worst casualty is your flip flops. Maybe you can pick-up a pair abroad? Keep the memory close at foot?
Also, have you stumbled upon the Canadian Beer Fridges? Looks like they could equal a good night!
Apparantly my two wonderful kids have an appreciation and fondness for flip flops. Perhaps born from the freedom of summers past? Both have the resilience to move on once they say goodbye to their foot wear, formerly known in my summers past as thongs.
I think that a “thong” has a totally different meaning to our children.
Great to hear all your planning, sleepless nights and anticipation were worth it and your trip is an adventure you will never forget