Meetup with a Friend from Denmark

“Every new friend is a new adventure… The start of more memories”: Patrick Lindsay

When I started out as Director- International Service of Rotaract Alumni Mora back in July 2017, my circle of friends hailing from abroad was barely existent. However, as the Rotaract year marched forward, I was blessed with many new friends and of course, many new adventures. The meet-up with Maria Jacobsen who hails from Denmark is one such beautiful memory.

The story probably starts when I found myself in a Facebook group named the “Rotaract Couch”. This is a group created by the Rotaract Club of Nile Palace from Cairo – Egypt for Rotaractors all over the world to share hosting information. Not being a frequent traveler, I honestly didn’t think I would find the group of much use until one day a Singaporean friend (more on that adventure later!) mentioned me on a post announcing the arrival of a guest to my own exquisite homeland.

Many conversations later, I found myself in Negombo on a Wednesday evening with a fellow Rotaractor, looking out for a fair lady who bears the name of Maria Jacobsen. A warm smile greeted us and thus started a lively conversation. Over dinner and ice cream, we shared details about each other’s clubs, projects and cultures. Our friend gushed over the captivating sights she had witnessed in our country; the mesmerizing beaches of Weligama, the treacherous yet rewarding climbs of Ella, the magnificent views from Pidurangala and even the surprising tranquility of the Colombo suburbs.

As the evening reached its conclusion, we wished Maria a safe journey back home, and exchanged tokens and letterheads. It is my sincere wish that I see this vivacious friend once again, perhaps in the cool climes of Copenhagen!