Collecting Friends

There’s something about travel that makes me reminisce. Day before yesterday we were off the coast of Cuba and I found myself remembering. Bill Berry (not the former drummer for R.E.M. but the other one) called out of the blue and asked if I wanted to meet him in Havana.

                  

“Why?” I asked, excited that we would soon be having another adventure.

“Ummm,” he replied obviously making up a reason, “we need you to give a speech in a church.”

“Alright,” I told him without ever learning what the speech was about.

Several weeks later I flew to Nassau, Bahamas and got on Cuba airlines where they serve free rum and cigars during the flight. After a lovely flight I was interrogated by Cuban Immigration before being set free to run to the bathroom. Then I found Bill standing outside in the bright sunshine.

We spent over a week in old Havana. I did give a speech in a Church but I don’t recall much about it. The girl translating my words into Spanish was cute. The Cuban Baptist were sweet. That’s all I remember.

Though Bill and I hitchhiked to Hemingway’s house, ended up in a nightclub full of Americans and hookers, played baseball with a bunch of kids, danced the night away with a group of students at the University of Havana and somehow ended up on a boat that took us out to sea.

I had a grand time, right up until I was busted by U.S. Immigration returning home. It seems Bill forgot to give me the letter giving me permission to go to Cuba.

Yesterday Sarah and I were in Mexico. We sat on a beach with newly made friends in 87 degree weather. Whenever I’m in Mexico I can’t get the James Taylor song out of my head. “Oh Mexico, I never really been but I’d sure like to go.”

Bill Berry is a huge James Taylor fan and of course made me become one too. This was my forth visit to the country. I’ve visited the Mayan ruins, swam in its crystal pools and danced a conga line. Now I get to experience it with Sarah on a lovely beach and then in a bar where the tequila was poured directly down the throats of those wanting it.

Today we’re back at sea, sailing for Costa Rica. Weve collected new friends. Last night we ate together, had pictures taken, tried to get hypnotized and played a grand practical joke on a hairdresser from New York City. Today the only plan is to do it all again.

Collecting friends is one of the secrets of a happy life. It’s like sticking money in a savings account or multiplying your talents. If you’re not ever expanding your circle then you’re stuck and it’s hard to grow when you’re not being challenged by others and learning new things.

I’m blessed enough to have lots of friends and now I have more! Bill Berry remains my oldest one. The Carnival of Friends on Tybee remains a foundation. I’m fortunate to have children who are my friends. Sarah is my best friend. Yet there are all of these others, Joey from High School, Mitch, Mark and Dedra from college, Shirley and Stacy and way too many to call by name.

Some are skeptical about it, believing if friends are not doing the initiating then they’re not really all that.

I don’t look at it that way.

Friends are gifts and like life you’re never really certain how long you have it or how long it’s going to last. If you aren’t spending all of your time celebrating what you have then life just passes you by.

It’s the same with friends.

I want to celebrate the ones I’ve got as I do my best to collect more.