Finding and losing friends

Living in Chiang Mai can be a little like moving through an alien transit station in the Fifth Element. I mean, there are all sorts; tourists, short stayers, long stayers, permanent expats, permanently lost expats and lets not forget the tolerant locals.

I am a hermit at heart. I've only ever needed a few good, true friends in life...and of course family. Stray's social butterflyism makes up for what my social life may be lacking. When I arrived here I thought I'd be content with my own company and various personal projects, as I was back home...but then I had a home, to clean, gardens to care for murder, family, employment, self employment...and that was enough to keep me more than busy. Back then I was often looking for a quiet place to curl up and hide in.

Here, I have Stray (who I'd be lost without) but far as friends go, I had none to call my own. Then I met a few expats and Thais and eventually a few of the became 'friends'. And, like any alien transit station, people transit. In five months, two have already moved on for various reasons no, it's not 'me', they've actually left the country for employment reasons. On the upside, I may have a couch waiting for me in Wixu, China, should I visit there one day.

And then there are my class mates and teacher. People from all different corners of the world who make my two classes a week enjoyable, entertaining and culturally enlightening. I won't even get into the discussion about 'what is a shallot?'

Two of my friends and I go out often for lunch and things! I feel a bit like one of the musketeers when we do. One of us is a bit grumpy at times and reclusive, one is quirky, intelligent and cute and the other is strong and diplomatic...but then again, the three of us are probably a mixture of all of these qualities of varying proportions and we just seem to *work* together. Just like Porthos, Athos and Aramis...but I couldn't tell you which one of is which.

There really isn't a point to this post, except that good friendships aren't always forever, but while you have them they are intellectually and emotionally enriching, and you should treasure them, even if they are short term. How else would I have learnt that a 'stitch unpicker' is also called a 'seam ripper'...or that not everyone knows that a 'sticky beak' is a 'busy body'...or that some of us 'pull their finger out' and some of us 'pull their thumb out'. And, 'boondoggle'????

Never mind about learning Thai, English isn't always English.

So, as they leave, as I eventually will, I'll keep making an effort to find good friends and miss those I have left behind.

Cheers! สเมป See what else we're up to at Cooee!