“Friends Faraway”
I love to travel. I’m not afraid to travel, but because of the current political landscape I’m having second and third thoughts. I also, know that people residing outside our borders are definitely reevaluating coming to the United States. Maybe some of you are sharing similar concerns and will take the time to reach out to friends.
Dear Jean,
I remember when we first met on Gabriola Island. Your theatre troupe was performing my play “Dear Jennifer”, and we came to British Columbia for the performance. (If I didn’t thank you properly at the time, please know that I was very appreciative of your support of my work.) I do remember the hospitality of everyone, opening their homes for us to stay the weekend, cooking breakfast (complete with fresh duck eggs), and lively conversation before and after the curtain call!
Thanks to My 3 Cents, we’ve kept in touch over the years, mostly through email. When you and Peter moved back to Canada after living in Mexico for a few years, I thought we’d get the chance to meet in person, either for the Calgary Stampede in Alberta or here in Mount Vernon for winetasting.
Who could have imagined that U.S. politics would create second thoughts in our lives? I admire how Canadians are handling the insanity south of your border. I’m fairly certain, things are going to get worse here before getting better. In the meantime, stay well, drink lots of New Zealand or German wines, whatever your tastes prefer, and keep us in your thoughts as we face the daily craziness of our government.
Here’s to better days,
Rebecca
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Dear Tina,
I know it’s been years since we became friends touring Vietnam via the Mekong River. Sometimes people just “click”, sharing the same sense of humor, sharing a predinner cocktail, G&T for you (I think), white wine for me, and the joy of meeting new people in a faraway land.
Of course, without the outreach of Facebook, we would have certainly lost touch all together. I had hoped to visit England ten years ago and we could have met then, but for whatever reason, that didn’t happen.
This is the first time in my life that I’ve had to consider that being from America might present problems traveling. I hope Brits know that most of us on this side of the pond are not in agreement with our political leaders, but who knows? Emotions run the gamut for me from anger to disgust to absurdity and back to anger. “Pissed off” fairly describes my now daily reaction to Tr*mp headlines.
I’ll take this creative column to reconnect with you; if per chance you click on My 3 Cents,” I hope this finds you well and enjoying walks with friends through glorious English gardens.
Affectionately,
Rebecca
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Hello, Golf!
My newest of friends in faraway Thailand! I’m taking liberty of calling you “friend,” since you were the tour guide of our Southeast Asia adventure and, therefore, technically working! But we had the best time because of you. Teasing us about our Canadian Luggage tags (yes, anti-American sentiments concerned us) and whispering in my ear “USA, USA” every time we passed through customs, always made me smile. Quiet discussions about your politics and OUR politics added a better understanding of not only the ancient history of the land we explored but the challenges of living in a first world and/or third world country.
This was my third trip to Thailand (working the International Film Festival in 2006/2007) and you made this stay particularly memorable. It was wonderful to meet your wife on the dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya and the watercolor print your daughter created mapping out our journey is framed and hanging in our kitchen. It’s a daily reminder of the beauty of the world.
Take care, my friend,
Rebecca
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Dear Maikki,
The last time we met I remember you said, “I don’t say “Good-bye,” rather “Until we meet again.” I’ve adopted that saying when parting with friends and family over the years. It has such a positive feel.
You and I almost got together a year ago when Coldplay was performing in Seattle. How dare they add a venue closer to Finland, foiling our potential reunion!
I remember watching you play volleyball (brilliant) and I trust you have shared your talent on the court and on the sidelines over the years. I do remember one Sunday afternoon when you subbed in on the soccer pitch with our Over 25 League. We were down by six goals, when you helped our team more than save face by scoring seven goals in record time! Thanks for that memory. I also remember sharing a few homemade brownies😊.
Decades have passed and so much has changed. Material things come and go, but personal connections, like the one you had with Suzanne, are treasured memories.
I’m sure the world will calm down in the future, but whether that happens while I’m still able to travel is a question.
Hope this My 3 Cents finds its way to Finland. Until we meet again.
Love,
Rebecca