We have lived in Ajijic, Mexico, for about eight weeks now. When we moved, I left behind my friends and a weekly meetup. In our new location, I have made it my goal to make new friends, particularly with a group of women.
There are meetups for pickleball, painting, hiking, dancing, meditation, and yoga, to name a few. There are many opportunities to meet people here, so finding my place shouldn’t be too hard.
A couple of weeks ago, while walking along the Malecon with Kent, we met a woman named Rita. She deliberately came over to talk to us and mentioned she had made it her goal to talk to someone new every day. Since then, we have met up with her at a ukulele class and for dinner.
This week, I received an invitation to join Rita and another woman she had met for a Bingo game. I happily accepted. This would be my first time doing something without Kent since we moved.
I walked to the Malecon, planning to meet the ladies early enough to visit before the game started. When I arrived, I entered the front of the restaurant and looked around. No one seemed to be there. A waiter noticed my puzzled expression and asked, “Bingo?” I said yes, and he directed me to the back.
A few women had already arrived.
These women looked like they knew what they were doing. Their cards, drinks, and food were already spread across the tables.
I was a bit nervous walking into unknown territory filled with serious bingo players.
I saw a long table set up with bingo cards and people who appeared to be in charge. I walked up and asked what to do next. You see, I had never played official Bingo.
I quickly learned that it cost money to play, which I forked over. Then, because I was “new,” I was handed a stack of bingo cards, a bonus card, and a bingo marker.
Later, I found out everyone received the same number of cards. The phrase, “I’m not special,” came to mind.
I took an empty table to set up my newly acquired bingo tools and ordered a Diet Coke. Rita and her new friend, Nancy, arrived a few minutes later and directed me to their preferred table.
Rita and Nancy are in their seventies, so I was the youngest in our group. In my observation, I am often the youngest in any given group.
While visiting, we discovered we had each lived in southern states and enjoyed music. One could dance the “Mashed Potato,” and the other had attended several Grateful Dead concerts. I had done neither, but I enjoyed hearing about their experiences.
After a bit of chit-chat, the game began. I noticed both women carefully blotting the center “free space” on each card with their markers, so I followed their example. When I compared their cards to mine, I realized my marks were inferior. Their circles were perfect; mine looked like sloppy half-moons. I didn’t even know how to use the pen correctly.
I had played basic bingo before, but never anything involving prizes. After checking to make sure I understood the rules, I waited with anticipation to join what suddenly felt like a real adventure. Bingo marker in hand, I was ready.
The game was slow. Sometimes painfully slow, but I was determined to play through.
Each of us searched diligently for the corresponding letters and numbers as they were called. We each had eight sheets containing six cards to play over the next two hours.
To my astonishment, I got the first Bingo!
My first time playing, and I was already a winner. That victory kept me going. Apparently, I had acquired the eagle-eye skills needed to succeed.
Then, one by one, each of us at our table won a game.
We were satisfied.
In the end, I used my winnings to pay for my snacks.
I don’t know if Bingo is in my future again, but the adventure of joining these ladies was worth the effort.
Making new friends will take time. Being the new person will eventually fade into the past as more people step into that role.
Late in life, I learned that friendships matter. For many years, family and work filled most of my needs, but somewhere along the way I discovered I needed female friends as well.
I miss the ladies of Shreveport. They cannot be replaced. I can honestly say each of them added value to my life. They are wise and kind women.
I hope to find others here with whom I can share this next part of my life.
-Judi
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