cruise
Ok, so I have to make a decision. My parents want to take me on a cruise next September as a graduation gift. The deposit is due on Wednesday, so I have to decide pretty quickly whether I want to go. My parents are going no matter what, and just invited me to tag along, basically.
It sounds really cool. This is the itinerary:
The cruise itself is a 2 week trip. I hear the ship is amazing. It's smaller than a normal cruise ship, and far more luxurious. For example, the head chef was the private chef of three French heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle. So he must be ancient! Haha!
One problem, though, is that I'll probably be the youngest person on the boat. That's fine; I get along with older people. But it won't be the most fun thing ever. The only other cruises I've been on, my siblings were there. So even though there weren't a lot of other young people, we could hang out with each other.
The other thing is that I'm not sure I want my parents spending money on something like that. And somebody needs to smack some sense into my dad. My mom just eggs him on. I think they're just so thrilled that I would be willing to spend two weeks alone with them that they don't care how much it costs.
Why not, you ask? If they're willing, what's the big deal? Well, this is a story for another day, but my dad is currently insisting on getting me another absurd graduation gift (if I posted about that right now, I'm sure I'd get even more comments of "you're a fucking spoiled twat" than I will already. So I'll save that for another post.) But, basically, if my parents are insisting on being ridiculous, maybe I can limit them to one bout of absurdity rather than two.
Anyway, you're probably wondering why I'm telling you this (particularly since I'm undoubtedly going to take a lot of crap for being spoiled). Well, one of the best perks of having a blog is that I have people from all over the world reading it. And that means that, between you guys and girls, you've probably been to (or live in) each of those places. So what do you think? Is it going to be cool enough that I won't mind being 30 years younger than everybody else aboard? Will the trip be such a life changing experience that it'll be worth my parent's money to bring me along? Or should I talk them out of being so silly?
It sounds really cool. This is the itinerary:
We start in IstanbulI haven't been to most of those places. Actually, Venice and the Amalfi Coast are the only ones I HAVE been to. So it'd be great to travel around and see the others. And I will probably go a week early and hang out in Istanbul with my friends over at Casual in Istanbul. I have heard from two different friends that it's the coolest city on Earth. And it'd be wonderful to have cool young gay friends to stay with and show me around!
Then we cruise through the Dardanelles
Then Kusadasi Turkey
Rhodes Greece
Delos Greece
Mykonos Greece
Santorini Greece
Athens Greece
Then we cruise the Strait of Messina
Then on to Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Taormina, Sicily
Kotor, Montenegro
Dubrovnik, Croatia
And we finish in Venice, Italy
The cruise itself is a 2 week trip. I hear the ship is amazing. It's smaller than a normal cruise ship, and far more luxurious. For example, the head chef was the private chef of three French heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle. So he must be ancient! Haha!
One problem, though, is that I'll probably be the youngest person on the boat. That's fine; I get along with older people. But it won't be the most fun thing ever. The only other cruises I've been on, my siblings were there. So even though there weren't a lot of other young people, we could hang out with each other.
The other thing is that I'm not sure I want my parents spending money on something like that. And somebody needs to smack some sense into my dad. My mom just eggs him on. I think they're just so thrilled that I would be willing to spend two weeks alone with them that they don't care how much it costs.
Why not, you ask? If they're willing, what's the big deal? Well, this is a story for another day, but my dad is currently insisting on getting me another absurd graduation gift (if I posted about that right now, I'm sure I'd get even more comments of "you're a fucking spoiled twat" than I will already. So I'll save that for another post.) But, basically, if my parents are insisting on being ridiculous, maybe I can limit them to one bout of absurdity rather than two.
Anyway, you're probably wondering why I'm telling you this (particularly since I'm undoubtedly going to take a lot of crap for being spoiled). Well, one of the best perks of having a blog is that I have people from all over the world reading it. And that means that, between you guys and girls, you've probably been to (or live in) each of those places. So what do you think? Is it going to be cool enough that I won't mind being 30 years younger than everybody else aboard? Will the trip be such a life changing experience that it'll be worth my parent's money to bring me along? Or should I talk them out of being so silly?
posted by Matt at 9:46 PM
43 Comments:
Only time I hate spolied ppl is when they thing there the shit, looks down on people that don't have there type of lifestyle.and think if you have alot of money then ur happy.
Well, I would take it to see other places, but then again it's alot of money, being stuck with alot of older people. Also what if you have lover by then.
Good luck on Choosing Drew.
would like to chat on msn or aol once or twice, can email me at drew1985@gmail.com
You must go on the trip. The opportunity to travel before you begin working for the rest of your life is too important. Plus the special one- on-one time with your parents before you totally leave the nest should be special. Plus you will be visiting very interesting parts of the world which should be make you a more knowledgeable and interesting person.
Stories to tell the rest of your life.
As far as the liklihood of an older demographic on the cruise I'm sure you can handle it. Learn to play bridge if you don't already. It's a great game and not enough younger people (i'm not old btw) are learning to play. Great for socializing.
As far as your parents money and generousity goes, I wouldn't worry about it unless they are irresponsible with finances. Considering the cost of college these days, if they have been able to afford it for you they probably have their finances under control.
As for those who call you spoiled, where are they coming from that they have to belittle someones good fortune. They are ugly haters, let them stew in their own hate.
Dude. Go.
mykonos as the biggest gay beach in that part of the world you'l love it
I've been to most of those places, and they were all incredible. In addition to seeing some of the most beautiful places on earth, some of your stops will provide you with opportunity to visit some gay hot spots (mykonos, in particular). You should go.
definitely go!
is it a windstar cruise by an chance? i've been on those (smaller like this one). they're great. but in any case, you should of course go. you'll only regret not going if you don't!
will you be have time to get away from the folks and wander around on your own/with friends you meet up with?
if so- def. take the trip
ahhh... so what kind of car did they want to get you :-)?
Do it do it do it!!!
I went on a much more limited tour of southern Italy and Greece a few months ago, and loved every moment of it.
You should go, and not only because the ship will be stopping at a lot of nice places. You should go because your parents will so much enjoy being able to spend that time with you. It's their gift to you, but it's also a wonderful gift from you to them. Do it, and do it cheerfully. In days to come you'll be glad you did.
Convince your parents to donate the money to a gay rights group. One ridiculously extravagant graduation gift is enough.
I say go for it. All of those places sound incredible and you'll have all those memories and hopefully pictures to share.
Go. They want to do it and it will be an awesome trip. Every day is an adventure.
Go Go Go
and enjoy your parents while you have them... life is fleeting.... and enjoy your youth and new found sexuality in a totaly hot place.
i'm assuming your question was rhetorical..if it wasn't, you have to go, don't pass the chance up!
i'm an australian guy, i recently returned home from backpacking in europe. i didn't get to see half the places you mentioned, but they all sound great.
oh by the way, this is the first time i've read your blog. you're entries are really interesting to read and i'm into your writing style...so i'm logging it, and will defiently be back from time to time.
-Lee
life changing? no. great fun? yeah. who knows, maybe there will be a hot daddy on board that you can play with -- learn to expereience just how hot a older guy really is!
Almalfi Rhodes and Venice are great. the others(I've been to most), not so great, in fact mostly the same. but it's free. You should definately go!
You should definitely go!!(or you should definitely come to istanbul!!)ok , as two cool young gay guys(hey , those are your words) we really don't want to miss the chance to meet you and hang out with you.Besides that very selfish part , those are very special spots to travel ; especially Greek Islands and Kusadasi...
maybe is your last time for a nice day's trip with ...you have that chance , don't forget that
don't pass the chance up!
Matt, I've been reading your blog for a wqhile, and do not think you are spoiled. Definitely take the trip with the 'rents. And de-brief a few boys along the way ;-)
Craig
You will have an amazing time and hopefully have some memories of a time spent with your parents that you will be able to treasure for the rest of your life.
Ade, London (the coolest city)
And what is one good reason you would not take a European cruise through the Mediterranean? So what if no one your age is there.
Yep, take the trip. You might be the youngest passenger but not when it comes to the crew.
There will be hot little numbers that will be more than willing to "show" you the sites once off the ship.
Take advantage of your parent's generosity because they won't always be there in the future. We all get older and they may not be able to travel as they can now. You will kick yourself for not spending time with them NOW!
As for some of those cute crew members...it does happen. Trust me on that one!
Go for it. It will be fun, enriching and you might even get a chance for some hot little Mediterranean interludes while your parents aren't looking.
Wealth is a good thing when it's used to become a better person. Spoiled is the word for big money but little brains or virtue. A little international travel is a good way to see that the world is a big place and put all that American-style thinking in a little perspective.
And hey, if you enjoy uncut - even better. ;-)
Matt- go - for your parents and for you. Great itinerary. There will be some hot sailors on the crew.
And take Proust - read the whole thing and you will be so glad you did!
I live in Europe (Southern France) and I can only recommend you to go! Just relax while on the boat and take the maximum available time to visit the places on your itinerary. Most of them are really awsome. And make shure to let us know on your blog about your impressions - especially on the gay nightlife on Mykonos.
Go - it will be a great opportunity to see some fantastic parts of the world - the Greek Islands are just amazing. It won't matter that you are the youngest person on the cruise - the scenery will be fantastic. Also you'll get time with your parents - if your relationship with them is anything like it seems (and like mine is with mine) then spending time with your parents will be great.
Cheers
Jeremy (in NZ)
Are you crazy? Of course you should go. You will meet people old and young that you will remember for the rest of your life. Also, after you graduate you will have to start working and you either won't be able to afford to go on a trip like that for 15 years or you will be to busy to take the time off. Enjoy it while you can.
don't go. you will be trapped on a boat with a bunch of cheap old breeders.
Matt...
It's important that you go for your parents' sake. YOU will make this a special time for them. Don't deny them your company.
Also, meet as many "older" people on the ship as you can. You will make memories that you will cherish the rest of your life.
And "NO!" you're not spoiled. I would say you are truly "Loved."
Don't forget your camera!
Bob / Houston
Okay, I don't know how you do it, but I've become quite interested in your life... bizzare... anyway, I grew up in Europe and I would highly recommend you taking the cruise, plus the quality time with your parents will be so special. Anyway... Would like to email or chat with you, i'm a nurse living over in california, you seem pretty interesting :)
James
go...go...go...the crew may be younger and there are cute deckhands!
You have to go.......it's a great opportunity. And it's not as though you don't get on well with your folks......
Okay, so I live in Italy and build cruise ships for a living. Am I uniquely qualified for this drill or not?
I've sailed to most of the places you’ve listed and I think you would be a fool not to go. Not only for all of the great reasons already stated, but because these places are the well-spring of our civilization… our gay civilization. How often do you get to trace the roots of your culture back 3500 years? You're a thoughtful, reflective young man, Matthew. I can tell you that these places will stir feelings in you you're not going to experience in Boston or LA.
Get hold of Mary Renault's books on ancient Greece, particularly “The Last of the Wine”, “The Mask Of Apollo” and “The Persian Boy”. These pictures Renault draws of homosexual love in the ancient world are not fantasies, but meticulously researched histories. The mores and taboos of 2300 years have buried those times, but their echo is still there if you care to listen. Particularly, go to the library and study the frescos that can be found in the Palace of Konossos on Crete (I’m so sorry you won’t see them in person). They will give you a wonderful vision of the innocence of the time and the beauty and grace of the people. I believe you will find the experience life altering.
Oh, and the comment regarding the possibility of hot crew members… my dear, you have no idea.
lol, I'm going to agree with the vast majority here and say GO. I mean, unless your family is so far in debt that you can't really afford this, or some other extreme situation like that.. then yeah, man, do it. You'll have a ball. I think you're mature enough to get the most out of this kind of trip. Personally, I adore Europe and would never pass up this kind of chance (barring above said circumstances lol).
So go. Take lots of pictures! :)
Matt: About 10 years ago I took my dad on a schooner cruise off the coast of Maine. We had a FANTASTIC time. Would have been even better if Mom would have come but she is just a stick-in-the-mud (whatever the hell that means) and wouldn't join us. Dad is dead now, Mom is well and almost 80 but still a stick-in-the-mud.....will never change. Consider yourself lucky that they are active and interested in such things.
You will probably be among the youngest on the vessel but there will probably be quite a turnover on a cruise of that duration. Sure, the venue favors an older demographic but don't jump to hasty conclusions. Look toward the "older" crowd (for you, that will be >29) for a fun time without getting drunk silly, barfing your guts out and ejecting a boi from your bed.
I would say go. You are going to regret in the future the chances you have to be with your parents. Missed opportunities are hard to make up.
Absolutely go. I was lucky enough to go on a similar trip with my family a few years back and it was wonderful. The ship was full of older people but as a family we were able to stop the "real world" and just spend time together. One suggestion, don't make the trip about hooking up, just have a great old fashioned family vacation. Enjoy your family while you still can.
The trip sounds amazing. And I still read your blog daily so don't got thinking we lost touch punkass. Ha, and I'm sorry we never got to meet up, really. But, you also don't IM me anymore either :P
You'll make your parents happy - and you never know what fun may turn up.
Maybe some other couple brought their gorgeous gay son, lol.
yep ~ go
Err, no-brainer. Go! Yesterday! Some of the nicest parts of the Mediterranen await you...
Oh no! The cruise doesn't stop at Malta. :(
No, do NOT go! What about us? Staying alone, without you! Don't be so cruel !
Mais si, vas-y, pars, navigue, rencontre, et aime...évidemment! Et que ce soit, avec tes parents, le plus beau et le plus fabuleux voyage de ta vie.
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