West Side Tales: Joyful Journeys End

In the vibrant islands of Hawaii, Dennis Gregory once called a house his home, courtesy of a generous friend who later moved. During his surf-filled days, a loaf of white bread and a pack of bologna sustained him for an entire week. On other occasions, he lived frugally on affordable local delicacies such as fish cakes and saimin.

However, his youth was not spent solely in the Aloha State. In Mexico City, he found himself sleeping in the shower of a hotel, a testament to his nomadic spirit. His days were filled with hiking, exploring, and living without money. When hitchhiking, he would often sleep on the rooftops of hotels, a daring move that added to his tales of adventure.

Gregory's life in Mexico was marked by creativity and resilience. As a gringo, he was barred from working, so he found alternative ways to eat and live. For just one peso, he could buy three shriveled avocados and a stack of tortillas. He even attended the Instituto de Allende, where he sold his written poems for a peso.

One memorable experience involved him pretending to be a student to dine in a university cafeteria, as food was included with tuition. His youth was also marked by occasional acts of mischief, such as participating in a dine and dash with friends, an act he later came to regret. The realization of the consequences of his childish antics led him to understand the importance of responsibility.

Today, Dennis Gregory is a semi-respected columnist at West Hawaii Today, where he writes a bi-monthly column. He misses the freedom of his vagabond days, but has since settled down, becoming what he once dreaded as a kid - an adult. With a wife, a house, a car, and food, he leads a life far removed from his youthful adventures, but his spirit of adventure remains unbroken.

For those interested in learning more about Dennis Gregory's life and adventures, you can reach him at [email protected]. His columns in West Hawaii Today offer a glimpse into his unique perspective on life.