an evidence.

On Saturday a good friend of mine went back to Indonesia for good. I said goodbye to him all the way to the airport.

Even though he had not been very social or popular, did not always go to social events, nor participating in organisations, nor has a lot of friends in Melbourne or even has Facebook account, quite a large number of people came by to his place and said goodbye. Around 20 people was there to wave at him on his last night in Melbourne.

I am sure that had it not been a summer holiday and many people had not been back at their country or having holidays, maybe more people would have come up.

You can say I am being far-fetched or maybe simplistic. But my gut feeling says that at the end of the day, popularity isn't about greatness, smartness, achievement, or even quantity of appearances and interactions. It is about quality, humility, and how you make people feel - the quality of your interactions.

He was a simple guy, with routine that consist of doing his research work, his hospital shift, his part time work at local grocery market (Queen Victoria Market), cooking lunch, playing games at home, and working out at the gym. He lost many kilos, and his research paper got a good result. He got a recommendation from one of his professor to continue studies in Cardiology, but his dad wants him to become an ObGyn (Obstretician and Gynaecologist).

But when people visit his home, he is always open, always welcome, and always smiling, friendly and chatty. He is that fun guy that lights up the game room. He doesn't make a fuss when people make fun of him. He is not upset when another friend is angry. And he always readily helps and give out medical advice if you need it - based on what he know as a medical student. Even though sometimes, his remarks can be way off the mark.

So many people said good bye that night, and two good friends of him even cried.

I never have thought that I would blog about him, but there you go. He will be remembered as a kind hearted, laidback, fun guy, and he will be missed.