How do you say good bye to people who give so much of themselves to you? They take time off of work, away from their families, carry your bags through crowded train stations…and do it all with a smile.
A chance meeting in Paris in 2011. Flash forward. 2015. You know the intricate details of their lives, their families, their dreams and goals. You know their good times, you share their bad…and you are friends.
I am so very fortunate to know these people. I truly hope that everyone can know and have people like this in their lives.
Today, a quick breakfast and Jimmy Chang met me in the lobby. A cab ride and we were at the movies. “Minions”. Hilarious. Some of the humor was lost on my friends. The movie takes place in 1968. The music, the irony, all had to be explained. Having been alive in 1968, I was happy to share. You must see it. If you’re my age…belly laughs.
From there, we went to a very posh lunch. “The First”. A set menu with our favorite Sancerre. Starter, salmon. Next, a hot vegetable soup made of loofah. Did you know that was a vegetable? I did not.
Main: bream fish with asparagus and lovely sauces. Dessert: Tainan Mangoes, sponge cake, gelato, earl grey.
I then had to say good bye to Daphne. She has a two hour bus ride home. I fought back tears. She has some tough decisions ahead…I wish her well. Jimmy left for his J O B.
Next, Wei Chun had arranged a hair wash and scalp massage. And a blow dry. It was luxurious. Apparently, it’s very common here. The salon was bustling. I was a novelty being American and having curly hair. They were so kind and couldn’t do enough for me.
Then, we walked to one of Bruce’s and my favorites, Wynona. It’s kind of a funky wine bar. A nice savingnon blanc, and we went on to meet Patricia.
Jimmy had suggested a little French bistro. It couldn’t have been more perfect. The waiter/manager, Jordan, spoke French, mandarin, and English. I got to use my haphazard French. He was kind and was ever so curious about Hawaii. He actually asked me to explain “The Descendants” to him.
The bisque, the bouillabaisse, the tartine, were authentic. The wine, a Boudreaux, formidable.
And then the good byes. For those that know me well, this is not my strong suit. I cry…a lot. There were hugs. There were promises for the next visit. We tried to talk Patricia into getting married to justify my next trip. But in the end, we just knew it would be.,,enough said.
Until the next time. Tomorrow, a flight to Incheon Korea…a four hour layover…on to Honolulu.
Who knew that a chance encounter in Paris so long ago could lead to this? And as always…the best gift a man can receive, is a visit from a far away friend. A hui ho.
Aloha!
Aloha!
marybethruth 