The gringo community in Boquete is transient. People come and go. Turnover is high.
This year, some of the best in Boquete are going home.
I don't like it.
Our close community of friends was decimated this year with divorce. We had a circle of 5 couples that were like family. Three of the couples are now divorced and it is unknown how many of them will stay...I suspect about half.
This week we found out about another couple...high quality people with a wonderful family and philanthropic mission in life...which is calling it quits. Damn!
Several other couples are leaving for various reasons.
A big one is children. The "younger" couples with kids still in school have major challenges in paradise. Lack of quality formal education which forces most into home schooling, difficulty making a living at 3rd World wages, lack of socialization for children without a school.
My outlook has been gloomy for a few weeks. I can't help it...loosing so many friends in a year is tough. The majority of our friends are no more. Crap!
Now to pile more on the pity pot...
Our band will play it's last gig tonight.
This band has given me so many thrills, satisfactions, challenges and shear FUN that it also shows up as a big loss.
I started to learn how to play screaming rock n' roll lead guitar about a year ago. I had no idea this was something that I secretly craved.
Interesting what you don't know.
My generous band mates tolerated my poor skills and patiently waited for me to develop. I am so grateful for their patience.
Now, I have finally clawed my way up to playing proficient lead guitar. In truth, I am still somewhat clumsy, mistake prone and sometimes completely out to lunch.
But, I learned how to wail!
I discovered those coveted notes that SCREAM in a song. That make people look up and take note and break out in excitement. I know a few of them which I hoard until just the right moments throughout the night. Then unleash them with pride and authority!
There are actually people that tell me I am really good. (I suspect that my musical intelligence saves the day rather than my skills)
And tonight is the end of this era.
Not only is this the last performance for our band, but the 2 venues for dance bands are now gone. One place has been restricted from live music because of a noise ordinance...unimaginable in one of the loudest countries I have ever been! And another is moving to a venue that isn't big enough for live rock.
Change!
Who knows what the future holds?
I don't. And life seems to be cyclic. We are completing one cycle and starting another. Only time will tell how it all turns out.
This too shall pass. For good times and bad.
I hate that!
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2 comments:
oh Yes! the change we hate, only when it appears we are close to having it 'under control'. control is the life robbing illusion that runs at an addiction level - what a gift that Change decimates it on a whim. and said Change brought this guitar schooling that has let You 'Wail' - something so many have craved, so few have Spoken. So Happy to have one of your blogs!! I check every day for an egg - but alas, has been an empty nest for weeks - then today, Egg Breakfast!! Spinning the Heart, taking me to places that get Banned!! and Bypassed, and yet appear - even in Paradise. Nothing was meant forever - That is why we have Orgasm, so we know when we are done (grinning) - now roll over and go back to sleep... Love You, Darshan
So true! And another agent of change in my life is resentment. I vowed to learn how to play lead guitar because I was in a terrible Valentines Day show and never, ever wanted to be in a show again with "living room" musicians. All this services us well.
Last night we probably played our last gig with the band. After the dance, while eating a meal, we talked about the changes. In our band, one was leaving for the US and another had recently divorced his wife. 2 out of 4 in massive change. I sure would rather deal with loosing a band rather than going back to the US or divorce.
Bring on the nest live changing orgasm!
Love, Tom
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