I recognized those patches of greens in every shade as we approached. I’d flown this route for six years before succumbing to my yearning for an urban jungle. The rental car was picked up in 15 minutes after landing and grabbing checked luggage en route. Construction at every turn served as futile attempts to lure back those who’d traded fields for concrete, and did nothing to spice up the long, boring drive to my hotel.

Back in town for business, I called up old friends on short notice. Like attending a family reunion, my excitement was suppressed yet present.

I remember how we celebrated Anzac day when I lived in this small carving of Midwest. Our rugby club drew transplants from the former British colonies. Our families lived on different continents. We gravitated towards each other and became brothers and sisters.

I knew where they’d be.

This year, Anzac day coincided with my business trip. I get directions to our new pub. Soft country music plays in the background of the dimly red-lit room. On the large screen ahead, 250 pound forwards ruck and maul; steam rolling their opponents. Age had done what she does best. I still know these faces. Glee radiates from me.

Like a kid welcoming her dad at the airport, I fly into my coach’s arms……

Before the weekend was over, I connect with a couple more friends.

Lunch on Saturday was with an old rugby buddy and his new fiancée. “Hey ya! Just come down the hill, yeh?, then cross over the river, veer past the next hill, yeh?....”. Only a New Zealander would give directions like I was navigating a mountain pass. All I needed was an exit number off the highway to meet up with them. I finally see the beam of contentment and happiness in his eyes. He'd missed it for years and deserved it more than anyone else. I beamed with them; vowing to be at their destination wedding in Christchurch.

Dinner was with some of my favorite Nigerian girlfriends. Relationship updates around a glass table for two hours served as our appetizers before heading out to dinner. We close down the Thai café with cute Lou and the other waiters. Before leaving the girls, we get free Mary Kay samples and relationship advice from one of their mothers. Her youthful face defied her age and her marriage was rock solid.

Our takeoff before dawn on Sunday morning was one of the smoothest I’d ever experienced. A metaphor for the calm, slow life I’d left behind in Dayton.