While I was eating my lunch, my Romanian friend (who does not speak much English) kept telling me how bored she is. And so I invited her to run with me.

Me: Ok. you.want. run? (charades)

Her: Yes?… Room?

Me: Uh no! Outside. Road. Street. Out.

Then she went upstairs. I did not realize she was game with it and came suddenly downstairs fully clothed in running gear. Haha! With me hurrying to get dressed (because my friend is very excited) forgot my essentials, journal and camera. I was really incredulous for my stupidity because it was such a nice day and everything was just beautiful. But as I’ve said my friend is very excited and she kept telling me: No , no, we go. we go. – Fine.

The run was an easy paced one. I am quite surprised at how fit she is considering she is 39. I learned what tree fruit is good with lemon juice. I learned where the cemetery, nearest grocery, church, football field, tube, Olympic stadium, business center, etc. are. I learned a few about Romania, her love for her husband, and her family.

We were I think two miles away from our flat when I urged her for us to come back. No, it’s not because I’m tired (which I will not deny that I was, haha!). It’s because it started to pour. But she told me:

No we go! It’s free! No problem! Rain, not a problem!

We ran. We talked. We walked. I told her I will teach her English and give her job (ayan nadadagdagan tuloy life goals ko, haha!). When we understand each other, we laugh and when we do not, we still laugh. Imagine that. No pen. No paper. No camera. And yes my friend, just freedom.