Its a transient living, especially for expats. People come and go. And if you've invested a lot of time and friendship, its always hard.
A number of friends have come and go and I'm still not used to it. Every goodbye is hard.
Particularly this one.
Balazs, not only my housemate, but also a dear, dear friend.
The first time I saw this guy was in a party. I knew he was popular because all the girls were around him. A lot of people coming into the bar would go to him to chat.
Anyway, I really don't remember how we got so close but I do remember the event that cemented our friendship.
It was Khmer New Year (April) of 2011 and for some strange reason, we both went to Sihanoukville beach.
And it was such an impulse thing that we had to pack right away and head to the bus station.
Right from the bus ride and all throughout the vacation, I got to know him better and vice versa.
It was a few fun nights of chats and drinks. I even remember that it was storming and the waves were so strong and high that you wouldn't really get to have a decent swim.
So, there. After that, we would always hang out, together with some of my Pinoy friends. We even went to my country - enjoying the beauty and beach life of Boracay and Palawan.
And after a year of being friends, we decided to live together.
As housemates, he was just the best. Taking care of everything, from security, to carpentry work, to electrical stuff and even food. He loves to cook pasta. And they're all good.
Needless to say, I didn't have any contribution at home - except maybe for some fun time. I hope.
I never thought I would be living with a straight, white guy. Much less a Hungarian. I am quite sure also that he never imagined himself living with a Filipino. But fate brought us together and it as was one hell of a ride.
He just left last Friday night for his new life in New York. I knew that day was coming but I was in denial up until the last minute.
And now, I sit here alone at my house and missing his company. It's so quiet. A bit lonely.
I miss our chats already. Sometimes, we would talk about intellectual things that suprises even myself. Hence, our TV channel of choice always is CNN. It incites a lot discussions between us.
I miss him terribly. More than anybody else, its to him that I vent to. He's the only one who knows ALL of my secrets. And even when I'm not in the mood, he always remains to be kind.
A big chunk of my Phnom Penh life has left. And its going to be hard to fill it up again.
But, in the deepest abyss of my being, I am very, very happy that he is living his dream. It is quite a big risk trying it out there and I applaud him for that. He's a talented fashion photographer and I am quite sure he'll make a name there.
So, to my great and awesome friend, I wish you all the happiness you deserve. You deserve it. Just don't forget me when you're all rich and famous there or else, I'll punch your face.
The good thing is - Now, I have one reason to go to the big apple. And that's you B.
Goodbye,
A
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