Just a passing conversation or two. They impressed us with their kindness, giving us a ride to the airport so we didn't have to take the bus.
A last meal together in Todos Santos, and a promise to keep in touch.
And we all know how that works out in real life.
"Yes, we should."
"OK, I have your email..."
And that is the last you ever see or hear from them.
Except...
Except we actually did keep in touch.
You know, the email here and there, casual invitations to visit, but then in late 2014 I finally called "bullshit!"
We put an end to the promises and set up an actual visit.
Gail and I had a great weekend with them at their cabin in Arnold, California. We wine tasted, spent a lazy day talking, eating and drinking.
We left with another promise to get together soon.
And the great lesson you re-learn again and again:
Richard and I are probably as different as two people can be, yet we really enjoy hanging out.
Truth be told, we have more in common than we have differences.
Not to be sappy or trite, but we see each other as people.
Many people, especially those in political power right now, would do well to learn that simple lesson.
It's the great thing about travel, I think. Perhaps it is the gift; the ultimate "souvenir." The people you meet: some for a brief time, others become good friends for a lifetime.
I look forward to our next trip, to meeting our next unknown friend.
In the meantime we have a promise to get together again soon, and uncover the "secret" mystery card hidden away in Cards Against Humanity.