Last week, Clara and I walked downtown and took a long detour to the Plaza de Armas. Often I circle the plaza, sitting on a bench, just wishing I had someone to sit down and chat with. This time, lo and behold, as I neared the fountain I immediately spotted my friend, Gayla with kids in tow. Awesome. The kids fed the pigeons while Gayla and I talked and kept the strollers from blowing away--who knew these were the things that dreams were made of? But yes, it was a moment a year and a half in the dreaming.
Running into acquaintences and friends unexpectedly cements the fact that Saltillo really is a small town. For instance, take yesterday. I was on my way to brunch with my ladies' book group (wow--I think I just hit middle-age somewhere in that sentence). However, it was held at a woman's house out by the country club. Not having a car at the moment, I take the bus to the church we normally meet at. Taking a taxi all the way out to the country club seemed a little extravagant for the occasion. But, since I really wanted to go, taking a taxi from the church sounded like a more reasonable compromise.
The trouble was, once I got off the bus, there wasn't a taxi to be found.
Doesn't it always happen that when you don't want a taxi, they're always there, honking? But when you desperately want one, they've all misteriously disappeared. Such was the case yesterday. As I was waiting at the bus stop for a taxi to come by, my friend's husband drove by instead. He even stopped at the bus stop to pick up his niece, and being the great guy he is, offered me a ride as well. Swearing that he was in no rush, I took him up on the offer. After all, my options were limited and shoot--it was nice to talk to Herme. I haven't seen him for a few weeks.
Two signs in two weeks that Saltillo is becoming home for me. It really does feel good to put down some roots and stay somewhere longer than a year.
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Jill, that's wonderful! I've heard that it takes three years to feel like a place is home, so you are about halfway there. I love how adventurous you are--riding buses around to get to know the routes, joining book clubs. If I were in your position, I would have to fight the urge to become a recluse and not talk to anyone but my husband. I'm glad to hear that you are starting to settle in.
Haha--how reclusive have you become? Just kidding. Really, though, after having Clara, I was pretty content for longer than I would have expected with not knowing anyone but Mario and Clara. That first year in Toluca seemed a lot harder--maybe because it was the first year and maybe because there was no Clara and therefore plenty of free time.
Regardless, it's better now. Thanks!
That is exciting, I know the first time we ran into friends downtown my heart was singing a song. So I guess what she said about 3 years might be right but Iv only been in Tepa for 2 and it feels like home already.
Every time I think it is time to try to make new friends, I get really busy at work, which leaves me no time to do anything extra. Fortunately, I really like spending time with my husband, and we have good couple friends. But making friends is hard! Maybe it will be easier when I have kids.
It really is hard! I never thought about it much before because I either lived in my hometown or with long-term volunteer/camp jobs where the people you live with are automatic friends.
But moving somewhere and actively making new friends? Man, it's like dating. With the added bonus that you can make more than one friend at a time . . . not like dating. =P
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