We are All Refugee
"Since you are volunteering at the refugee school. You should also volunteer here by buying us drinks. We too are refugees."
This is a remark by one of the regular customers from the bar that I visit each Monday and Thursday. This is a small bar with no more than 5 regular customers.
What this person said is very profound. In many ways, we all are running away from something. The few of us have known each other for many years and we shared many stories.
- Myself, struggling to grow the business and balancing between career and family.
- P, 40 years in the tyre industry. The business is now under attack by cheap alternatives from China.
- TS, rebuilt and service motor engine for 40 years. Owns a successful business but the kids refuse to inherit the business. He is too tired to maintain the business but not willing to close or sell the business.
- A, a electrical technician who left the wife and kids in the countryside to work in the city. To save on rent, he sleeps on the bar's sofa.
- Y, an early 30s mechanic. Restore and sell crashed superbikes. Being single all his life.
- JJ, inherited the bar from his late father. The bar is barely making money. Cannot close the bar because it is the last emotional connection with his late father.
The bar has become a sanctuary to temporarily run away from the daily grind. It is not about the beer or alcoholic drinks. It is a place where there is no need to pretend or being fake. Everyone speaks their mind and voice their opinions. There is no judgement.
In that 90 mins, I found temporarily peace. I can be myself and speak my mind. There is no need to think about what I left in the office or waiting for me at home. Indeed, we are all refugees.