by Sharon Wilson, Malaysia
Travelling about 23 hours on a plane from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and transiting three airports (KL-Japan, Japan -Dallas, Dallas-Columbus) is not a laughing matter. It gets to the sanity of anyone. One can become cranky, frustrated, confused, tired and angry. The long flights can also become worse if one has a partner on the plane who is also in the same predicament. It would be like two lions going in for the kill. (I was lucky in this regard).Then there's the fact that you are leaving behind family and friends for 6 weeks.
Although travelling to the United States of America for the SUSI programme was all of the above, one important thing which has made me feel at home and not feel lonely and in despair are my room mates. Three beautiful women from three countries who has had a similar experience. Consuelo Aguirre from Ecuador, Shabnam Azim from Bangladesh and Sibongile Mpofu from Zimbabwe. Although Sibo came in one day late but we have all bonded as though we were long lost friends.
It doesn't make sense how four women from four different cultures, religions, backgrounds can laugh about the similar things and worry about similar things. But that is it. From talking about work and journalism policies in our countries to everyday things like shopping for salt at Walmart and cooking breakfast.
It reminds me some-what of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte of the ever famous Tv series 'Sex in the City' although not so wild. But the bond portrayed was equally amazing and something every woman wanted in a group of friends.I wish to continue this friendship. I wish to sustain this and make this friendship a part of a lifelong commitment to stay in touch and to 'grow old together'
So thank you dear friends, for allowing me some insight into your lives. For allowing me to be a part of your lives and for taking the trouble to get to know me as well.
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