Must have been a good time. Back in my country we don't have to worry too much about relatives...cousins and all those.
We just about live in the same locality, or at worst, same region. And we have several social gatherings every now and again which bring us together.
The only time you think you have taken long without meeting some one is if he or she is t Boarding school, or working somewhere in the city. Even then, its often a matter of months.