it's been two weeks

ok so not really two weeks. I'm one week into my two week vacation. Already I'm starting to feel the desire to go back to work. Since I work through an agency, my two weeks off mean that I don't get paid for two weeks. One week, last time there was a break, was fine. I could pay off my expenses of daily life like rent and food and all that joyful stuff. But with two weeks off, I have to make sure that I'm watching the budget as best I can so that I don't find myself going even more grey in the hair. So I'm not traveling to far-off lands this time around. I am staying within the English borders, it would appear. I just can't risk hidden costs or unexpected expenses when I don't have a paycheck coming into my account this or next friday. Last two-week break was a different story. It was Christmas, and I was at home in Canada doing things with friends and family.

I know that some people will look at me and think that I'm entirely wasting my time and resources while I'm here. I should be doing exciting things like flying around the continent, taking trains, trams, and cabs so that I can take in as much of Europe as I can while I have the time.

Thing is, Europe has hidden expenses. Like, when you're travelling, for example, you have to eat. And you usually have to eat out at an establishment of some sort. Since you're new and unaware of the hidden gems in this new area you're traveling around, you end up at the first place you see with a menu posted with something listed on it you would remotely consider eating. This isn't news. It's just the way the entire world of travel works. Then there's getting around. If you travel to a larger city, getting around by foot to see everything can be both tedious and horribly unpleasant if nature decides she's not going to co-operate and throw you some rain, snow, hail, or even blistering heat. So what do you do? You find a way to get around via wheels. Which costs you more money.

I'm not griping, whining, or complaining. I'm also not having financial troubles. In fact, I'm keeping myself quite easily afloat in terms of my money coming in and money going out. I have yet to resort to eating a steady diet of toast and refried beans. Though it came close for a while there in the last flat when expenses became more and more abundant with things being broken, and food being thrown out while I was on vacation.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm okay with not being a globetrotter this time 'round. I'm happy being where I am. And that's perfectly fine.