I have a lovely circle of friends in South Africa. It can be crazy, political and clique-y but also welcoming, accepting and jolly good fun. And then there are the temporary friendships.
These days I find that I don't always have time for them. Tourists come and go in this area on a fairly standard three day cycle so just as you get past the getting to know each other bit, they're off again to see new places, meet new people and experience new things. Much as I was when I travelled. But when you live in the place people visit temporarily it becomes easier not to bother. Which sounds a bit harsh. But realistic.
Recently some people have come and stayed for over a week - almost a lifetime in backpacking terms - and it's been nice to make a new friend or two. The likelihood of ever seeing them again is slim to none, but it was fun and didn't involve the usual travel questions; "Where are you from, where have you been, where are you going, what do you do back home, blah, blah, blah". If none of these questions are involved and you still have a decent conversation then you know it's worth the effort.
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