time is the longest distance between two places, @slowwalker.
Forty years amounts to two life sentences--you in your profession and your doctor friend in his separate surgery.
You are the gypsy of your group, my friend. I like your metaphor comparing you to the boat and your friend as the port.
But though you all live apart, your friendship draws you together again.
I am glad your third friend flew to Seoul to join you. Spontaneity is the spice of life.
It always a pleasure to enjoy food and drinks with good friends, and enjoy it while you can, my friend. Life is full of uncertainties, but sometimes it grants us a memorable Saturday night.