Silver and Gold

I had a great evening last night with friends both old and new. We had a sort of Pakistan-based blogger reunion last night at Villa KNICQ. We reunited with the bubbly and ever noxious Hemlock, newly arrived to Dubai, our favorite crayon in the pack, Li'll Grey, and the pithy Owl. Joining us was another Dubai newbie from church, Ann.

We spent the night remembering good times past, and planning bright futures for our Dubai newbies. Zaman's impressive skill of fast driving and faster eating were fondly remembered in his absence. The kids all played fantastically together and the adults enjoyed a lavish Lebanese grilled spread and great company thanks to the superb hosting skills of wild and wacky KNICQ-bhai and the quiet but welcoming Wifey. (Wifey doesn't speak much but whenever she has the ball she shoots and scores 3 pointers with ease.)

In spite of (or because of) our different ages, national origins, religions, marital status, etc, we all had a great time and the old got along with the new. It reminded me of this classic poem:

Silver and Gold
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test-
Time and change-are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray;
Friendship never knows decay.
For 'mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas! may die;
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.