
I Don’t Like Sad Parties With Rain
June 22 — It’s been a normal day. Writing, calls, emails, consultations. It won’t be a normal evening. One of our long time Roamers is going home. Her leaving is not a surprise. We knew she was only traveling for six months when this program started back in January.
We share the same name and that is about it. She’s basically an opposite version of me in every way. There weren’t many times we even hung out together. The most time we spent together was on the nine hour flight from Bogota to Madrid.
I like the cities and she likes the beach, camping, and outdoors. She took a trip to the Amazon and when I asked her about it the first thing she said was, “Oh, it was amazing. You would have hated it.” True. I would have which is why I didn’t go. I loved Bogota and she didn’t like it at all. I take horrible photos and she takes wonderful photos and even creates the best videos.
There are so many differences about us I couldn’t name them all. However, I loved them all. It was like living through her. A common thing for Roamers to do was talk to me and have a story about her. Since we share the same name they would always be sure to say “Not you. The other Melissa.” As if I didn’t know. It was cute.
Tonight is her going away party at this beach party location with volleyball courts. She carries a volleyball around in her bag with a pump. I bet she keeps a bathing suit in their too. I’m sad to see her go home. Although I’m struggling today I can’t miss saying goodbye.
The struggle is real with my out of control hair. I can’t stop crying. Again silent tears. I’m exhausted. I decided not to try and bother with eye makeup and instead put on bright red lipstick. Hopefully it will attract attention away from my red, puffy eyes.
I ordered an Uber to get to the party. I don’t have internet on my phone still and can’t order one to get back. Not a big deal. Going to a party with other Roamers I’m sure I’ll make it home fine.
When I arrived at the location the rain began pouring down and everyone was huddled in this bar and snack food area. I haven’t seen most of these people in a long time. Immediately I found the Roamer who is leaving and talked to her before it was too late. In true to her fashion she was ready to go play volleyball in the rain and lightning. I wasn’t going out there.
Being in large gatherings isn’t really my thing. I’ve learned any gathering five and over I become silent and simply listen. (For those who know me and know how much I can really talk I just gave you some handy information!) This party is large and conversations are already happening so I don’t know where I would jump in anyways.
One of my old roommates was there and was excited to see me. It felt really good. We haven’t seen one another in a while and so she was asking me about my trip to London and what I’ve been doing in Prague. She asked how things were going with my love and I almost lost it. Being a kind and loving person she hugged me which was worse, harder to hold back tears. She knew what was happening and we quit talking about that and started talking about our upcoming trip to the opera.
I tried to switch from table to table but I couldn’t get into any conversations. Mainly because I had nothing to say or contribute. As time went on I became more and more uncomfortable and knew it was time to go. My bad energy vibes were bringing this party down too many notches. Even more than the rain. Another Roamer in my apartment building is leaving and so I asked to join her.
Then I remembered my phone issues and asked some of the guys for help. Sure enough they knew why the internet on my phone isn’t working and put in some code. Immediately it began and messages starting coming through. More than my usual amount. Good thing I’m going home and can respond there.
Tonight was rough. Next month will be worse when more Roamers leave. We get new people joining all the time, but it’s more difficult for me because when we all first started we went out in much larger groups and I was able to be much more active in events when the time difference wasn’t so great. The memories of this Roamer bring me back to the beginning when things were new, fresh, and exciting. I have very fond memories.
Fortunately, the new Roamers don’t have problems acclimating. Most of them know people better than I do. It’s as if they have been traveling with us all along. As the program goes on it’s me who is losing touch.
My end of day gratitude:
- Having met such a wonderful Roamers.
- My Roamer family and friends who support me.
- Techie Roamers who easily fix my phone issues.

