The biggest lie I ever told

Person 1: Well, this is it. Our last night here. We're flying home tomorrow. I'm so sad. I'm really going to miss this.

Person 2: Yes, but that's okay. We're going home so at least you'll get to be home and see those friends.

Person 1: I know, but, well, it's just that.. you know. This place. These people. I'm going to miss it all.

Person 2: Yeah. But don't worry. Home's good. You're going to be okay. We're going to be okay. And take it from someone who's been around and has had to say a lot of goodbyes. It all gets easier. You get used to it.

Liar.

It never gets easier and you never get used to it.

Don't get me wrong.

Of course I like to travel and to meet new people. But that's only because I make new friends without the intention of ever leaving them. I never think about how after our time together, we will have to part ways; maybe for a little while. Maybe for a long time. Or maybe forever. Because if I made friends that way, well.. I'd never make any.

I spend too much of my time missing someone or some place or some thing. Every moment that I spend in one place with one person is a moment that I'm not spending in some other place with some other person. I can never have it all.

Because Life is an adventure. But if you aren't careful, it might end up being a very lonely one.

Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together?

I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.

I have to learn to better seal my blessings and to make some room in my suitcase so that I can pack them up and keep them forever. Take them with me wherever I go next.

Hong Kong, it's been real. Hello-goodbye.

- bcl.