They have been some our best friends plus our son (and Lilly) so they have been at the top of our list of great people.
After a guest leaves, there presence lingers on.
As I look down on the casita or I walk by on my way to my car, I have the urge to look in and call out there name, just like I do when they are here.
When this happens, there is a pleasant glow tinged with melancholy.
The warm memories of their visit produce the glow.
And there absence after the visit brings on the melancholy.
Our oldest, best friend, who we have known for 42 years, left yesterday. It was a lightning quick, 4 day visit packed with conversation and fun.
And discussions of his possible future move to Boquete with his family.
We met him in Kansas City before we were married. We were so young then...oh we were young. Many, many memories of those carefree days without obligations and responsibilities, plus a wild abandon for partying way beyond sanity.
We went on the road playing music with him, touring all over the midwest and even a stint in Vegas. Those were simultaneously the best and worst days of my life.
It is impossible to continue living life that fast and survive!
And strangely enough, our days in Panama resemble those earlier days. Well, without the insane partying for sure.
He hasn't been here for 3 years so his impressions of the area were interesting. He commented many times about how much more developed and beautiful Boquete and David are now.
I forget how much has changed with our current President who is pro-gringo and development.
They are widening the highway to 4 lanes, They have paved the main street as well as 5 side streets in Boquete...we only have about 5 side streets. David has several new hotels and commercial buildings. The mayor has upgraded the town square by closing 2 streets that border the square and converted them to beautiful walk ways, and there is a new fountain in the square.
So, his comments were insightful. We don't notice the changes because we are here all the time and acclimated to them.
His impression was that Boquete is on the verge of another boom. Who knows, if the world economy creeps toward the better and all those retiring boomers need a cheaper place to retire, he could be right.
It sure was good to see him and hang out!
Even with Skype, I miss my old friends.
2 comments:
So Glad You and Bill got a chance to spend some time. India is wonderful and kicking my ass at the same time. while living can be very cheap, it is also has a lot more drawbacks to the living, as well. You really do live in a great place, and it seems so well suited. I am always so happy to hear of your performing and of the sharing of the performing arts there! it is a boon to anywhere to be so involved!! Love You, Darshan
I hear the part about "very cheap...a lot more drawbacks to living." As you used to say, "There is no free lunch." So true. What is cheap in money has costs in other ways, such as convenience!
The trick to living here is to learn to not only accept the drawbacks but to enjoy them. About half the people who come here never turn the corner to accepting them so they go home.
I feel lucky and blessed to be here.
I hope your trip continues to be a great one.
Love, Tom
Post a Comment