I suppose, if you do the same things with the same people over and over again,
you might not notice how truly interesting some people really are. The world
is filled with interesting people. We get accustomed to the ones we’re
around all the time, and sometimes miss the uniqueness of our friends and
acquaintences (never mind family).
I’ve been out meeting people, lots of them, in a short period of time. Part
of that has been intentional and part of it is just a function of my job.
Regardless, it has reminded me of how truly interesting people are.
I’ve come to appreciate pubs (as in bars) not so much because of the drinking
aspect (though I enjoy a good Ale from time to time), but because you stand a
chance to meet some unusual characters there. Sometimes I’m left with the
impression of a ‘static’ life, which itself is interesting. Not being much
of a ‘static’ person, I enjoy talking to those who have such a long-term
stable existance.
But the last month or two, I’ve met more of the ‘dynamic’ types, both in pubs,
and elsewhere. Maybe the best example, though, was in the Irish pub in
Taipei, where I met a 1/2 Pakastani 1/2 British publishing company editor
from Vancouver, and a couple of French ambassadors. Last month, at that same
pub, I met a drummer from Texas who is teaching English in Taiwan. Then
there was the business consultant I met at my favorite Anchorage breakfast
spot. She was definitely different. So many people, from so many places,
with so many different interests, talents, experiences, and so on. Relaying
all the details would be enough for whole chapters in a book.
And then, there’s the people that I work with. In fact, this particular
company has more ‘characters’ than you can shake a stick at. It’s the
perfect place for a guy like me to work. The diversity here is quite
amazing, really. Some people build their own houses. I met another audio
engineer the other day. Some are quiet, others are… not. Some can’t seem
to talk about anything but airplanes. Others would rather… talk about
anything *but* airplanes. Some appreciate art, others food, others… the
variety is endless!
For me, it’s both a pleasure, and a learning experience to meet such different
and diverse people. And it makes me appreciate what freedom that we do
have… to be ourselves…
V-