And Now What?

Great question. For the next month, at least, the answer is found in Warren, Vermont. Some friends I met in The Eternal asked me to come work with them at their newly purchased hostel. A link to their blog is on the right. The goal in Rome was turn my experience there into something that would benefit me here. I can't say I ever thought it would be working in a hostel, I always thought something along the lines of import/export dealing in olive oil or wine. However, I keep hearing friends' voice in my ear, "Everything happens for a reason."

My role at the hostel isn't exactly clear as of yet. Since I'm the only employee at this point, I'll be a part of just about every aspect from the bar, to the kitchen, to maintenance, to whatever else is necessary. It's exciting to be a part of a new venture and also to get a lot of first-hand education starting and running a business. I have no interest in owning a hostel in the future but I do have plans for a restaurant so this experience will fit in quite nicely.

I've told my friends/bosses that I would like to join them for a month as a trial before I move my entire life to another part of the world again. I have a million questions running through my head but I think a month will be plenty of time to figure out the answers. But it boils down to this; if I like the work and I'm gaining invaluable experience for what I want in the future, I'll stay with them. If it's anything short of that I'll be back in Seattle and off to culinary school.