February 22
One of the distinct disadvantages of living in a country where the overwhelming majority of whites are expats, and the bulk of these are short term, is the transience of existence and friendships. We have quickly realised that even though we are only here for one year, this is longer than many and the friends you have come and go with a rather unsettling regularity. And as much as we have several black African friends, the cultural gap between so many of us means that the majority of socializing is still predominantly whites.
I think it comes in waves of enthusiasm too. At times, and particularly when you first arrive in a new place, you spend a good deal of energy invested in meeting new people and socializing whenever you can, but after a while you become settled in a particular social scene and the effort of meeting others wanes. The problem then, as distinct from life in Australia, is that the mat is pulled from under you at regular intervals, meaning friends who you have spent so much time with simply up and leave. Not exactly conducive to long lasting relationships.
The flip side to all this, and perhaps what keeps so many going over here, is the immense diversity and constant flux of social and even work scenes that continually pass by, meaning never a dull moment, and always someone out doing something that you can join along with. Outdoor activities are another huge bonus. With so many different walks of life here, the range of sports and activities that are always buzzing around is immeasurable, and more than easy to throw yourself into.
So I guess both good and bad, and one may argue more either way. Yet despite this, it is always a little saddening when you are invited along to yet another going away party of yet another close friend. The good news, is that there’s always another housewarming just around the corner.
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