A dear old friend

Walking down the old Soi, I felt a strange familiarity with my old home street. This neighborhood was once my home and after two years what once was a daily ritual for me, has now become an experience full of emotion and nostalgia for a world that I’ve missed dearly.
I walk pass a few stray dogs. I recognize them both. After two years, their demeanor hasn’t changed. They lay on the middle of the street, heads buried between their paws and their mouths nipping at the flies buzzing around them.
I arrived at Da’s apartment at 10am. I didn’t have her cell number to call in advance and I didn’t even know if she still lived here. I didn’t remember her room number either and after 30 minutes of struggling with my limited Thai and the receptionist’s limited English, Da, along with her cousins wife and daughter came walking down the stairs. “Abe-ie!!,” she exclaimed running down the stairs and throwing her arms around me.” Our embrace was a beautiful one. I had missed Darunee and after exchanging greetings with her, it seemed like nothing had changed during the past two years. Our friendship was just as strong. I joined her and her cousin’s family for breakfast in their apartment. Sprawled across the floor was a traditional Thai mat and Da and her cousin had gone out and bought the traditional Thai breakfast; soup, rice, mixed vegetables, sweet corn. After a beautiful prayer by Pong Sak we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast which although plain, was completely satisfying. Sitting around the mat, legs crossed I felt a beautiful feeling of home in that setting. Our conversation was pleasant, and the meal and atmosphere couldn’t have been anymore peaceful.
We spoke of memories and old acquaintances and it turns out that one of my old Iraqi students, Abbas is still at the language school. Things are progressing for everyone. Some people have moved, others are coming. Life continues in this city.


Walking down stairs, I told Da I’d wait for her in the lobby. We’re planning on going to the weekend market and she still hadn’t showered or changed today. As I sat on the lobby couch, a few house cats tiptoed inside and after nibbling on some of their breakfast they sprawled out on the ground with their legs and arms outstretched; ready for their morning nap.
I could hear somebody coming down the steps. Looking up, I noticed that this time it wasn’t DA but one of my old students, Sarah! She didn’t recognize me at first so I waved and greeted her. Equally surprised as I was to see her, she asked me if I was planning to stay here to teach again. I told her I wish I could but I’m just visiting for two weeks. Sarah was one of my star pupils, she would always study diligently and her English had improved dramatically in the past two years. Although she was only 13 years old, I could predict a strong and successful future for Sarah. We chatted a bit, and then she told me that she had to run off to school. I watched her leave, and in her hurried walk I could see a feeling of determination and resolution.