Exploring the Culture

Mike's POV

The next day we all got up and got ready at 8 am sharp. We reached the common assembly area which was communicated to us. Here we saw there was a cafeteria where buffet breakfast was ready. We went to the cafeteria and took breakfast.

Me, Mary, Radha, and Josh all were sitting and having breakfast.

"So what do you think ...where are we going to head?" Josh asked piercing the omelet on his plate with the fork

"I believe to some museums," Mary said

"Yes I also saw the itinerary and it showed for today they have planned a visit to the museum." I told

"Great. We will get very good snaps there. My Instagram finally will be loaded with some amazing pictures." Radha said taking the snap of the breakfast platter which she haven't started eating yet.

"duh... It's just a museum. You can get good snaps anywhere and I feel you will be missing on the major fun element if you are only taking pictures anywhere." Mary said looking at Radha questioningly

"You are right. But I guess the picture will show that I am having fun. Anyway, I am going to get some more sandwiches from the buffet. Anyone need some?"

" I will come with you." josh said looking at his half-empty plate

As Josh and Radha left to grab some more breakfast Mary looked at me and whispered "Mike do you really want to explore the city according to travel guidelines?"

"what do you mean?"

"I mean we all are here for some adventure and fun and not on a school picnic."

"So what do you suggest?"

"Let's sneak out."

"What? The tour people will find out and might fine us"

"Trust me Mike I have done enough solo and group trips and I know they don't even notice."

"Ok.But what about Radha and Josh? They will notice us being missing."

Mary thought for a minute.

"I have an idea..we will go to the museum with them and from there we will escape and will tell them we took a different bus since there are 2 8-seater buses arranged."

"Sounds cool."

After breakfast as planned, all 4 of us took the same bus and within 45 minutes we reached the museum. Mary was right. Before entering the guide explained the history of the museum and gave us some guidelines. It was looking more like a school picnic. All 4 of us entered the museum. The Museum consists of 7 rooms. After exploring 4 rooms in the group, I and Mary stayed long in the 4th room asking guide different questions about random paintings.

When we finally exited the room we found that the 1st bus is already gone. To avoid group attention from us we started chatting to random local.

Within a few minutes, the 2nd bus left.

I looked at Mary.

"So what's the plan?" I asked Mary curiously

"So I have heard that the old town in this city has a magnificent church. Let's go to Fourvière Basilica."

"And how we are going?"

"I have seen that there is some river boat shuttle and we will reach via it in 15 minutes. It's 10 minutes walk from here."

"Wow what we are waiting for then? Let's go..."

We started walking towards the Confluence stop from where we have to take the boat shuttle. I asked Mary. " So Mary you told me other day you are a doctor. So what is your specialty?"

"I am a heart surgeon" Mary replied..

"wow...That's so cool. You might have seen most of the critical cases then."

"Yup and it's depressing sometimes to see people at a young age going through heart blockage, hole in heart, and major cardiac arrest. Enough about me now. What do you do Mike? You never told me."

This question left me confused. How will I justify that being a software developer I worked in a media house.

"I am a software developer working for one of the corporates."

"Wow that's cool...So front-end or backend?"

"Wow you know about the difference."

"O come on. Most of the people know even if they don't belong to the software field."

Only if you know Mary that not everyone knows

" So you said you worked for a corporate...That's cool. I mean being surrounded by all techies and innovative mindset."

" Actually I work for an event and media corporate"

" What? Are you serious? Why do they need a software developer?"

"To manage their site and develop the and embed custom feature"

"Oh ok... so event and media. You might be having a hot girlfriend then. I wonder what you are doing on this group trip?"

"Thanks but I am single."

"Are you trying to drop some hint here Mr.Developer? "She chuckled

"Maybe or maybe not...Actually, I am looking for new friends."

"Great. As even I don't want any relationship mess. Friends are cool."

We reached the Confluence station and took the ticket. We boarded the boat. It was a speedboat. As I entered I took a seat on the ground floor sitting area. Mary raised her brow.

"Come on Mike. We are not sitting here. Let's go to the upper floor. We will enjoy a great view of the sea."

"But it's noon and sunny."

"Aww..my poor baby skin will get tan...don't worry my bestie is a dermatologist."

" Are you challenging me that I am being overprotective of my skin?"

"Actually I am not surprised you are being surrounded by all models who are actually quite conscious about their skin."

"You know what...Let's go to the upper floor."

We went to the upper deck and took a seat. As the boat started we felt the cool sea breeze. Mary got up from her seat and stretched her arms horizontally feeling the cold breeze.

"what are you doing Mary? People are looking at us."

"So? Why do you bother about people's judgments.."

Saying so she took my arms forcing me to stand to feel the cold breeze. I stood up and did the same. I could feel a few glares at us but at that moment I didn't care. I actually enjoyed the sense of freedom. Mary took her cellphone out from her jeans pocket and played the music. She actually started dancing. I felt embarrassed but seeing her enthusiasm and carefree attitude I joined her. In no time other passengers also started dancing along with us. We never knew when we reached our destination.