Being an expat has historically always had a cool factor associated with it. We're automatically allowed at the popular kids table in the cafeteria, not to brag or anything. But everyone wants to know your story, where you're from. Then Italians (or the locals of your country) will gush about how great Canada/your home country is and you'll give the obligatory gush back about your new country and then everyone gets drunk together on cheap European wine and you try to keep your brain from exploding while talking in two different languages at a dinner table for six with eight people because expats always have to bring their friend(s) from ____________ (insert random foreign city). We're all about the networking. Why? Because you're always on the lookout for your new BFF of the month or year or whatever. The harsh reality of being an expat is that not only do you have to be a master at meeting people and forming insta-friendships via your common bond of a) language or b) Questura horror stories or the equivalent in other countries that aren't Italy, but you ALSO must be the master of goodbyes. Inevitably, the majority of your expat friends will leave, back to their native country, or onwards and upwards to the next foreign land. I think in the past two months, I've had to say "ciao for now" to a running total of five lovely ladies, like Kyra from Germany (us pictured above outside Capitol Cinema in Bergamo)- please come back everyone! Just kidding, I'm happy for you wherever you are. But that's my short spiel for today. This thought came upon me after a wonderfully international dinner out last night and the roll call was pretty awesome: C and L from California, F from Singapore, J from New York/Carolina (soon Memphis/Finland), me from Canada, and your three token Italians. It may seem sad, but while munching on my stir-fry, I couldn't help but think about how beautiful yet fleeting a moment like that is- a moment when half-way across the world, eight instant friends from seven different cities sat down and ate curry. That is what life is all about.
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