she asked me about the birds.

i wrote this in the airport. i have noticed that when i leave a place that i have loved i always feel sad... nostalgic... thoughtful... and every conversation seems to matter... in retrospect they may be just conversations... in the moment they mean something to me... maybe when i leave this life i will be greeted by all of the people i have met and loved in airports...

march 4 in the San Jose airport

This day. people i have met a long the way. woman in hippie skirt- long curly gray hair - found more than just a of a look of peace, love and tranquility - also disappointment - short sightedness- maybe - but also comfort... felt so sad i wanted to cry, instead i chose to talk to her in line...

she asked me about the birds.

she asked me maybe three times... so i asked

me: do you like watching birds?
her: well i am old. when you are old you have to watch the birds.

i assumed her to be an avid bird watcher... that perhaps the birds alone brought her from Canada to Costa Rica. she's from Toronto. she cares for an elderly lady that lives on a private lake... maybe she watches the birds on her employers private lake.

her: no, only started watching the birds since i came here.
me: how long have you been here.
her: 21 days
me: oh.


my next friends told me to drink my water...

they were a couple... i sat by them...

me: are you all on my flight?
them: yes
me: why is everyone else standing in line?
them: we don't know.

i dropped my book
the man: don't forget that...
me: thanks
the man: be sure to drink your water. they will take it from you
me: the water already made it past security... i think it should be okay.
the man: oh... well, i don't know. but i think they will take it from you.
me. (noticed the security taking water at the gate) oh you are right. (drinking water) why do they do that
the man: i don't know

what did i love about this? i will tell you. The man could see the security people collecting water bottles at the gate. my view was obstructed. the man knew what i couldnt know. when i second guessed him... instead of insisting... or challenging me as i had challenged him he stepped back... it was out of respect for my experience... gentle guidance... i didnt have to listen, but if i did i would be less thirsty on the flight...

I think this man and woman have been together for many years. She was comfortable being helped by him... and he was confident taking care of her... I could tell they loved each other... I could also tell they knew how to not rush to wait... everyone else on our flight seemed so anxious to be the first... in line before everyone else... like sitting on the plane longer than anyone else would make the flight go faster... why were they in such a fit to leave the country... i wanted to stay as long as the flight gods would let me... we... me and the couple waited until the line was empty... we enjoyed easy conversation... again... spoke with ease... they are from michagan... they had accents... i didnt ask where the accents were from... i was curious, but i am sure they are always asked... who we are isn't where we are from... it is telling... but what mattered more was the fact that they were kind and that we were living in the moment... it was a good moment.