Set your watch by friendship
There are a few things in town that you can set your watch by. The ski lifts open at 9am in the winter, they’ll be traffic to Ketchum in the morning, and more going south in the evening. The sun will rise and the sun will set. Although this actual time changes a bit, you get my point. What you might not be aware of is another happening that takes place nearly every day.
At 4pm at a local coffee shop, you can find a great group of people having their afternoon visit. The espresso they order is secondary, (no offense to the owner), and although most of them are Austrian, they exemplify the meaning of the Greek term ‘Parea’. They meet and talk about everything -sometimes in another language. They are friends for life and I am lucky enough to call them by the same term.
The definition of ‘Parea’ is ‘a group of friends who regularly gather together to share their experiences about life, their philosophies, values and ideas.’ In my Greek family, it’s the same. Perhaps this is why I adore these folks so much.
Most of this group moved here in the 60’s to teach skiing and have seen much in our valley, but they are humble beyond means. When asked what celebrities they befriended they change the subject gracefully. I know they have stories, but they are respectful.
So what has happened to this type of ‘visit’ between friends? Are we working too much? Are we simply too busy? No time? My grandparents and parents knew the term ‘Parea’ and lived it. Perhaps it’s because I grew up this way, where on a Sunday afternoon there were bunches of people at our house, that I want more of this. But never the less, it does still continue, and we can all learn about true friendship from these fine folks.
So next time you’re in Starbucks around 4pm, (ok, the secret’s out) stop by and say hi to the gang. Ladies, don’t be frightened, the kindness, (and compliments) are fun to take in. It will make you smile, besides offering up the true definition of old fashioned friendship.
