my rome story:

On my second trip to roma, en route to rhodes, i was there for only one afternoon looking for a place to change the last of my dollars. I checked into the youth hostel and proceeded downtown to change the $40 bucks. Passed Plaza Venezia then explored a little capilla across the way for some meditation and a prayer asking for protection as i ventured off to Greece with not much cash.

When i exited the church, i was about to cross a large busy avenue with cars and scooters whistling by. As i waited for traffic to die down i asked a little old man standing beside me if he was also attempting to cross "la strada." He proceeded to tell me the history of the museum across the street. Mussolini was killed there, it's now a museum and not sure that i understood all of his storytelling, but parlare italiano i needed, so i smiled and nodded as if i took it all in. Fifteen minutes later we crossed two stradas. As i gave my farewell, he asked if i wanted to have a coffee. So we entered a nearby cafe for our shot. I told Mario, this 85-year old italian, that i was on my way to find a place to exchange money. Mario decided to venture with me and asked if i wanted to go to his bank. So we did. va bene!

As we walked he told me everything there is to know about roma. I realized my italian was a bit rusty! We arrived at his bank to find it chiuso (closed), but i noticed a western union across the street. I said my goodbyes once again, but Mario insisted on coming with me. va bene,,, Western Union is not a good place to exchange w/ it's high commissions. I took my 40 euros,,, at least to "mangiare."

I said ciao to Mario, to make my way back to the hostel before too late. Just then Mario took out his wallet and handed me a crisp 50 Euro bill. "Perque?," I ask in amazement,,, Why are you giving me this? The bill falls on the floor and we both reach for it,,, I wasn't sure i could take it.

Mario responds... "Perque stoy retirado, I'm retired, I don't need it. You do!!!

WOW,,, I couldn't believe it. So my 40$ turned 90 Euros. Truly,, I was blessed!! KARMA.