the best surprise ever

{Arvin and me}

Hong Kong Background
I have a few really good friends in Hong Kong, from the two years I spent living there (2005-2007).  One of the absolute best is Arvin.  He was my first director in Hong Kong, and our kick-ass working relationship soon turned into a kick-ass friendship.  So close, in fact, that I spent my very last night in Hong Kong hanging out with him.  I miss him dearly.  We also have some other friends named Jenny and Albert.

Vancouver Background
Jenny and Albert are Chinese-Canadian, and they each come to Vancouver once a year in the summer time.  Each of the three summers I've spent here in Vancouver they have managed to surprise me.  Each year I fall for the same thing, without suspecting anything!  I get the bad news that Jenny's unable to make it to town this year.  I make plans to have lunch or dinner with Albert.  And lo and behold there's Jenny waiting for us at the restaurant.  Three years I've fallen for this!!

Arvin's Friend
Jenny and Albert aren't due in town for another month or so.  But Arvin - who never visits Vancouver - emailed me two weeks ago to say that a friend of his was coming here and bringing something for me, from him.  He told me to look out for said friend's call.  So on Saturday, Arvin's friend texted me, and we made plans to meet up at the wine bar in his hotel down town, so that he could give me my gift from Arvin.  I arrived a little early, texted the friend what I was wearing and where I was sitting.  Next thing I know, who's walking up to me but Arvin!!!!  Not one to be outdone by Jenny and Albert, obviously.  It was all a ruse, there was no friend!  Arvin himself is in Vancouver for a whole week, for a work function!  And he wanted to surprise me!  Well, it was quite the surprise, let me tell you.  We hugged for about 5 minutes before I could even let go.  And I was crying.  It was the happiest I've been in a long time.  I've been able to spend two fabulous evenings with him so far, and can't wait for more.

Isn't it just so great when people surprise you like that?  It made me feel so loved, and so special.  And it was yet another reminder of what amazing friends I have, and how lucky I am to have them.