Photo: Ali Brohi
Here are the Matador Team’s favorite types of people to come across while traveling.
It’s four am. The malaria medicine has failed to kick in, and no matter how many times I wrap my pillow around my head and hum loudly in my brain, there is no drowning them out.
The previous day, I quite enjoyed them separately, before they became a group of wasted, loud-mouthed, flirtatious guy and four gals. Now, my tired yet unable to get comfortable body wants to hurl myself out the window and swiftly duct-tape their mouths shut.
The annoying traveler. We are faced so often with their inability to understand that their behavior affects others (or they just don’t care). We could go on and on with stories of just how many irritating backpackers, swindling hostel operators, and know-it-all expats we’ve encountered over the years, and we often do (hey, it makes for good storytelling). But what about all the amazing people we’ve come across?
In this spirit, the Matador team decided to compile a list of travelers you’d be blessed to meet as a reminder of why we decided to start traveling in the first place:
1. The Stranger Who Will Drop Everything to Help You With Anything
Julie Schwietert, Matador’s Managing Editor
We were sitting at the airport bus stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was headed back home to my apartment in Old San Juan after dropping off a tour group I’d led around the island for a week. She was loaded down with luggage and looked scared. “Todo bien?” I asked her. Relieved someone had noticed her, she poured out her story. Having been detained by immigration, she was separated from her friends and missed her flight, the last one of the day. “I don’t know where to go,” she said, “and I’m all out of money.”
“So come home with me,” I said. “I’ve got a guest bedroom and I’ll show you around Old San Juan.” We were about the same age and though I wouldn’t invite just anyone – even in dire straits – to come into my home and spend the night, her goodness was evident. She pressed a medal of the Virgin of Guadalupe in my hand and started crying. This time, I’d been the stranger who could drop everything and help someone, but I’d been on the receiving end so many times before. It felt good to give back.
2. The Guardian Hell’s Angel
Kate Sedgwick, Matador Nights co-editor
Photo: moriza
It was the last day of Sturgis (biker rally, in case you didn’t know) and I was with a ‘friend’ getting ready to get on the Greyhound. We were in an all-you-can-eat breakfast joint and she was letting me pick from her plate, but when I asked her if I could borrow $20 for cigarettes and soda on the 20 hour long bus ride on the way back, she flatly told me no.
“Ten! How about ten? Or five? Enough for some smokes at least.” Still no. It seemed unfair to me and I said so. I had done the foraging into town for groceries for us and had to pay the campground re-entry fee without so much as a thank you from her for hitchhiking on the back of a bike with a backpack stuffed with 50 lbs. of crap, ostensibly risking my virtue, if not my life, on the way back.
If memory serves, I cajoled quite loudly, but she wouldn’t budge. In the middle of this conversation, an old road warrior in full torn denim and leather regalia set $15 on the table. “I think you dropped this outside,” he said and walked out with his old lady. I barely had time to say thank you, but that $15 was more than enough to keep me in diet soda and generic kings on the way back. I’ve never forgotten it.
3. The Wise Old Soul
Lola Akinmade, Matador Goods editor
Some of the most memorable and insightful conversations I’ve had in my life have been on airplanes, sitting next to older women (or men) in their 60s or 70s, eyes filled with so much history, full of stories to tell. On a recent trip to London, I shared a seat with an older Nigerian lady well into her late sixties. We spoke Yoruba all 7.5 hours of the flight journey and our conversation touched on various topics from politics to family to travel to life.
Another memorable conversation was with a 71-year old voracious reader en route from Lagos to Amsterdam. She currently lives in the extremely volatile oil producing Delta region in Nigeria, and I shared some of our conversation in this piece, The Reader in 16A.
Besides the infinite wisdom these old souls readily share, they provide a certain level-headed grounding that us travelers could use as we venture doe-eyed into new places.
4. The Little Kid
Leigh Shulman, Matador Life editor
Photo: L. N. Batides
I’ve been on trains, beaches, sitting at restaurants waiting for a coffee when a little kid toddles over from somewhere and starts asking questions. Who are you? Where are you from? Can I sit on your lap? Here, read me this book.
One little girl even curled up by my feet asking for me to rub her belly. Apparently, she was a kitten. Soon after, I almost invariably find myself playing hide-and-seek or on all fours being a cat myself.
Once, two little girls took Lila and I to a huge trampoline where we spent a couple hours just bouncing around. Best of all, I completely forget about whatever plans I had or thinking about where I need to be. I just play for a little while. Which quite frankly, when traveling, is something we should do as often as possible. It’s one of the greatest joys of living without a set schedule or destination or age appropriate behavior. These little kids also teach us about the nature of trust and sharing. I mean, when’s the last time you left the comfort and safety of your table, walked up to a stranger and offered her a bite of your cookie?
5. The In-the-Know Expat
Heather Carreiro, Matador Abroad intern
It was my first time in Bangkok, and I had one week to order tailor-made suits, buy an entire wardrobe of casual western clothes, and find matching shoes before attending an international job fair. Panicked about having to show up for interviews in jeans, I started looking for tips online about where to shop. I came across the blog Britin Bangkok written by an expat teacher named Michelle, and she offered to meet up with me during my visit.
Waiting at a Skytrain station my second day in the city, I recognized Michelle as she approached. Dressed more fashionably than most western tourists and greeting someone on her cell phone in Thai, she approached me with a wave. “Hey Heather! Ready to go shopping at Chatachuk Market?” I was able not only to get all my shopping done, but in hanging out with Michelle I also learned about how to visit the main sights for less, what it’s like to date Thai men, where to find the best English language book store, and how to sign up for a Thai cooking class. Meeting expats is an awesome way to get a crash course on a place and its culture.
6. The Guy Who’s Owned The Guest House Since Before You Were Born
Tom Gates, Matador Nights co-editor
Photo: Meanest Indian
“Hey do you have a…” then BAM, the corkscrew is in your hand. “I’ve never worked one of…” then GRIND, CRINKLE and your soup can’s been opened with something that looks like a device that fixes droids. “I have this rash…” and ointment is produced (unless it’s that kind of a rash).
These are the troupers, the guys and gals who have had guest houses or hostels since the circuit began. They know what you want before you do and can deal effortlessly with your every sniffle, drool or query.
I’m thinking in particular of Joseph, who owns a guest house in Kerala, India. Joseph is at the point in his life where if a guest shows up without a reservation and he doesn’t like the whiff of them, he’s full. If somebody shows up and he’s full but he digs their vibe, he’ll figure it out. If you stay one day you’ll get the passer-through treatment – polite, good. If you stay a few days, though, you’ll learn everything that there is about the town and everything that you might need to know about yourself from a dude who was once drafted to be a politician to run against the ruling communist party.
I’ve been meaning to give that guy in Pucon, Chile back the can opener that I mistakenly put in my grocery bag and took to the next hostel. I still can’t work the fucking thing. Anyone headed that way?
7. The Handicapped Child
Michael Lynch, Matador intern
Playing Santa for my first time in Okinawa, I met a child who caused me to be Santa in Okinawa, forever. I was at a school for the handicapped, and had filled a king-sized white pillowcase with candy to pass out to what I thought would be around 50-60 children. There were more like 350 people in the auditorium, when you added all the brothers, sisters and parents.
“Ho, ho, ho!” I jumped off the stage, passed out candies, greeted everyone, wishing them “Merry Kurisumasu.” There was no way to estimate how much candy I could afford to deposit in each kid’s outstretched hands. I just had to try and pace myself, give each child and parent a small ration. Maybe some kids got three pieces, others five or six. I made my rounds and managed to have a bit left over to hand off to a PTA member as I sat in the chair they provided for Santa to take a break.
When I thanked her, every child in the school ran up to give back a piece of candy to Santa.
A little girl, about 5 years old, came limping towards me. She reached out with her hand. I was thinking, “Grr, I don’t have anymore candy. This kid’s gonna complain she only got two pieces and her brother got five. Why did I get myself into this mess?”
She got closer and said, “Santasan.” She reached out to me. So I figured, ok, I’ll shake her hand. She gave me back a piece of candy she had saved for Santa. When I thanked her, every child in the school ran up to give back a piece of candy to Santa!
Those are special kids and only for them, I’ll always be Santa.
8. The Entitled, Alcoholic Brat
Tim Patterson, Matador Contributing Editor
Sunburned and hungover in a Beer Lao tank-top, throwing up his hands when the bus from Don Det to Phnom Penh is late. His visa is about to expire, you see, and the corrupt bastards at border-crossing will no doubt demand hundreds of thousands of kip to leave Laos. “Everyone is out to rip you off in this fucking country,” he says with a conspiratorial scowl. “Tubing was fun, mind you, but the rest is shit.”
Why are travelers like this guy a blessing?
Sometimes, seeing bad behavior from others is the best way to recognize it in yourself. All travelers would do well to cultivate more patience, humility and gratitude, especially those who are young and wealthy.
9. The Helpful Holy Man
Nick Rowlands, Matador Life Intern
Photo: JOVIKA
I’m young and alone on the ghats of Varanasi, caught in a mad electrical storm. A huge cow is freaking out, tossing its head and galloping back and forth along the pathway. Back and forth, back and forth – I’m trapped on the steps and can’t get out. It’s like being in an old arcade game, except I definitely don’t have three lives, and am on the verge of tears. An old guy in white robes and a Father Christmas beard catches my eye. He saunters down to the steps, unafraid of the cow, and helps me pluck up the courage to escape.
We go have tea together. Unlike many holy men in India, he doesn’t ask me for money, and he doesn’t try to sell me drugs. He doesn’t even claim to be holy. But his serene – dare I say luminous? – expression says otherwise. He asks if I want to ask him anything. Overflowing with naivety, I ask him how one can go about living in the moment. He laughs, and tells me it’s a lovely theory. Then he teaches me a breathing exercise to help clear the crap from my smoker’s chest. But he doesn’t tell me to stop smoking.
The half-hour or so I spent with this unassuming man affected me more deeply than any of the (admittedly few) teachers I’ve encountered since. I still carry him – and the cow – with me wherever I go. It sounds trite, but the experience taught me that sometimes, the harder you search for something, the less likely you are to get it. You end up like a cow in a thunderstorm, mindlessly running back and forth in the rain.
What other types of travelers you have felt blessed to come across? Share them below.
Thanks to Julie Schwietert for compiling this list.
About the Author
More By This Author
- BNT's Best of the Week 3/13/2010
- BNT's Best of the Week 03/07/10 (2 comments)
- BNT's Best of the Week 2/6/2010 (1 comments)
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37 Comments... join the discussion!
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Nice compilation!
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Oh damn, what a fantastic post. My mind is racing back to all the people I’ve met on my travels now. Kate, I love that story.
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These are all wonderful. Mike, that story choked me up a little. Beautiful.
The ones that stick out to me are like Kate’s story, the ones where someone gives you something out of the goodness of their heart, with no intention of getting anything back. It’s so (so) easy to be cynical and skeptical on the road, and when someone gives you something you automatically get your back up, wondering what’s the catch?
In Cuba we were cycling through this stretch of towns that had a food shortage. We couldn’t find anything to eat. No bread, no fruit, nothing. I spotted a man with a box of baguettes and approached him. I asked if I could buy some bread from him, he reached out and gave me one but refused my money. On the same road, a man stopped us on our bikes, reached into his plastic bag, and produced some of the tastiest mandarin oranges and stuck them in our hands.
The other people I love are fellow Couchsurfers, even when I’m not traveling and they come through our home. Whenever I meet them I feel like we’ve been friends for a long time…and I still keep in touch with many Couchsurfers I’ve met in the past.
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great piece. here’s one more:
#10. the ‘enigma’ / the-no-matter-how-hardcore-you-think-you-are-this-bro-is-harder
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He wasn`t a traveller: I was. At Karachi Airport, when one of my cases wouldn`t closed, an observant porter whipped out the rope supporting his trousers and strapped it around the offending lid. I have never forgotten this simple act and have written it into my new book Travels with my Hat.
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I loved reading all of these stories!
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What a great list. I want to add another to the list. Colombians. All of them.
I’m only kind of kidding. Obviously there are some Colombians who aren’t pleasant, but by and large, in our month there, the vast majority of Colombians were the friendliest, happiest, most thoughtful and helpful people I’ve ever met. It started from the get-go in the airport when getting a cab. Friendliness and smiles everywhere. Then when we got to our hostel and they screwed up our reservation and didn’t have a room for us. So the owner made some calls, then personally walked us to another place that had rooms, made sure we were happy, apologized profusely, and was on her way.
It continued in that manner throughout the entire time we were there. Unbelievable people.↵ -
Excellent post. It serves as a reminder that no matter how many countries we visit, how many sights we see, it’s the people that we meet that leave a lasting impression.
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I love all these stories. Kate’s in particular is wicked: the kindness of a stranger, the way he presents the money, and – of course – the destruction of a stereotype.
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Loved this post. It seems like all the annoying people you meet along the way get the most attention that those who were the kindest get left behind. Thanks for reminding me of all the amazing people I met on my previous travels.
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yes! the guardian hell’s angel! one summertime a friend and I hitched into LA– not only did we get the luckiest ride in the world from a trucker named “Attitude” but the next morning, tired and sweaty, i stumbled into a little diner full of older folks in the valley. i ordered the cheapest thing on the menu (an egg) and five minutes later the waitress returned without the egg but to tell me that someone wanted to buy me breakfast. ten minutes later, she served me a beautiful omelette with 20 dollars wrapped around my silverware. it is not only the kindness but the spontaneity. thanks mysterious stranger! as julie says, it is in returning thse kindnesses that the pleasure really lies.
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Gorgeous, gorgeous post.
And terrific seeing everyone collaborate on this one. All of these are so *right*. Bookmarked this – it’s one to remind myself of one of the great Whys of travel.
As a typical reserved Brit and someone not completely immune to what the newspapers have been drilling into us about not trusting strangers…I’ll admit, when I meet Julie’s The Stranger That Will Drop Everything, my first reaction is distrust. And I hate that in myself, I really really do. But people are always better than the popular media’s perception of them. Other people are just like us. That’s one of the most rewarding lessons travel teaches us. (Shame I’m a slow learner).
Oh, and now I have a very strong mental image of Nick carrying a cow and a holy man everywhere he goes. Now *that’s* intrepid, not to mention very strong. Kudos, sir.
….
What? Oh. Right. Like, a metaphor. Ah.
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We’ve met the kind people who will drop everything to help you on nearly every trip. I always find it fascinating that long-time residents are so passionate and enthusiastic about their home town that they’re willing to go out of their way to assist tourists. Some people get so jaded about their own city that they often forget to be courteous, let alone go above and beyond to give a visitor a great impression about their home.
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I love these stories – gave me the chills!
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My first time wandering solo in Viet Nam, I was exhausted from getting hassled and followed all morning – being a tall blonde American woman, I stick out like a sore thumb just about everywhere, but especially in Asian countries. I stumbled into this European-style hidden garden where you could buy a coke and sit for as long as you like, and I was NOT in the mood for conversation, but this little old man came up and asked the classic question, “Are you American?” I said yes (I might have rolled my eyes), and he proceeded to talk to me (well, AT me) for three hours, leading me around Saigon, teaching me how to cross the streets (a true skill!) and insisting we visit the tourist sites that I’d already seen, but I didn’t care because throughout it all, he was also telling me about his life before and now after the “American” War (which is what they call it). His family was killed in the American bombings in the war, and he was captured and sent to a reeducation camp and now had no papers, and wasn’t even supposed to be in the city. Even though I caught only about half of his English, his story was so fascinating.
Right before we left, I had to ask him the question that was bothering me all day, and I still remember his answer exactly.
“You actually like Americans?” I asked.
“Oh, I love Americans!” he said.
“Why? After what we did to your family and your country, how could you still like us?”
And this may sound cliche, but his demeanor suddenly changed from the little old man eager to please the American woman, into a grandfather. He took my hand and said, “Because the Vietnamese understand that YOU did not do bad things.”I realized only after I got home how insightful and wise this statement – and he – was.
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“Because the Vietnamese understand that YOU did not do bad things.” Wow, what a different mindset then how we look at things over here, considering the US invaded a country on the pretext of a few terrorists with box cutters. Similarly, it always irritates me when people speak about other countries as if they “know” exactly what all the people are like. “Those Iranians…” when really, it’s a wayward government responsible for the problems.
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How about the traveler who’s older than you and still cool, thus alleviating your fear of aging?
Hahaha that’s one of my favourite kind of traveler.
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What a great list. I volunteered in Costa Rica a few years ago, and on my first night there, I met a travel buddy. She’d backpacked in the Himalayas, hitchhiked in Peru, all of it! Since this was my first solo, international trip, she alleviated a lot of the fears I’d had, and helped me let go and really enjoy the experience without worrying (too terribly much).
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“The Guy Who’s Owned The Guest House Since Before You Were Born” seriously changed my life, I had just struck out and it seemed like he’d seen the world and everyone in it. He’d also had the land his family had lived on for hundreds of years seized by a corrupt government and found peace as an exiled expat. That’ll give you some insight. We’d have a drink every day before dinner, talk about the complications of my life at home, and this otherwise sometimes surly man would break rank, laugh, and tell me:
“j.c., my baby, you have so much time… so much time.”
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Amazing post! I met an older man when I was in St. Thomas on a scuba diving boat, back when I was first getting certified. He regaled me with stories of all the amazing places he had been scuba diving in his life. Turns out he specialized in underwater filming. Weeks later he sent me a dvd of one of my first experiences as a certified scuba diver. I always look back on him fondly.
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Number 10 – the Enigma. I dig it! So true!
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I love how the comments have become a place for people to share about their experiences with other travelers who have blessed them.
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Ok then here goes….
Back in 2007 i spent 3 months in sydney with a mate of mine alex. He was spending the next 2 years seeing the world so i decided to take time off work and get away from the boring 9-5 ritual. On arriving in sydney we set up camp at 790 on george street near to the central station. We had been there for about 3 weeks when one… See more night we decided to chill out in the tv room with a few beers and check the photos that we had taken in singapore and brisbane. Whilst flicking through the photos a group of people also came into the room. I got talking to one of the lads about the usual, Where he was from and what football team he supported. The usual lads talk from england. The group had been together for about 2 months so they had grown fairly close. They had travelled over in couples from thirsk in north yorkshire and straight away they got on with us and welcomed usinto the close friendly group.. The other lad who was also with them was called matt from manchester who used to live in blackburn (Our home town) and he drank in the pub across the road from our local! Myself and alex had not seen him for over 3 years and there he was in some hostel half way round the world in oz! After catching up and talking away for what seemed ages we all went to the bottle shop and proceeded to get royally drunk! Still in touch with them all now after 3 years back in england. Great people and great times indeed especially the night at bondi in noahs hostel! A special mention goes out to Jay,Gaz,Hannah,Kav,Dee,Chris,Matt,Diego,David, gemma and scotch paul. Roll on the 28th june when it all starts again!
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Glad you put in Number 8, because for me you can boil it down to 2 types of travellers you will meet: Those that will show you what to do and those that will show you what not to do.
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‘The In-the-Know Expat’ is always so incredibly handy to meet on your journey. They’re always full of indispensable knowledge you couldn’t find anywhere else.
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The little kid gets my vote, but I agree with Tim most: whenever I see that kind of behavior in others, I’m more aware of how I present myself, and try to keep my temper in check.
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This was a truly inspiring post and really made me happy. I can’t wait until I get to meet some people like the ones above.
Thanks for this.
Jared
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Very cool article. After seeing most of this in my travels 5, 6 and 8 really stuck out to me. Five being last summer in Hanoi, I met a South African ex pat a few days in a row for Bia Hoi and to swap travel stories. He gave me a few good recommendations and it will be a while until I forget him. The sixth was only an okay experience. I am big in to military history and a lot of my travel revolves around it and because of this I was spending a while in Normandy. I stayed at a b&b owned by an ex mil British ex pat. He always was trying to one up me and questioning my knowledge. Being young, I had to be respectful but I was a bit annoyed. Last of all is eight and it was one of my best friends! I agreed to let him come with me to Germany to visit a friend of ours when I was invited. While the German friend and I were always ready to explore and figure out stuff to do my American friend was sluggish during the day, wanting to drink out way through the night and bitched a lot about the food and language. I have a decent knowledge of the language and love to try new food!! While it didn’t come near to ending our friendship I doubt I will be traveling with him in the near future.
Thanks again for a great article!
-Ben
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This is a good reminder that there are always good people out there. I especially like the one about conversations with your elders. I like talking to older generations because they always reveal stories I would not otherwise have known.
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Like everyone else, I loved this article. But, I also enjoyed the comments as much. The incident that touched my heart was when I volunteered with a medical group in Peru. It had been a long, tiring & somewhat frustrating day at the clinic. Due to my assigned duties, I had to stay later than most of my group. I was exhausted, cold, hungry & I knew I had to hurry to get back to the hotel before it was dark. Suddenly, the dam broke & I started to cry. At that moment, one of the Peruvian nurses came up to me wiped my tears & gave me a hug. We did not speak each other’s native tongue, but she shared with me the international language of love & caring.
Caitlin, I appreciated your comment about the older traveler who helps alleviate the fear of aging. I just started to do international volunter work at age 46 & I am now 57. I always hope that what I do demonstrates to younger people that getting older doesn’t mean the end of adventure travel.
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I loved this: so now I’d like to add my two cents worth. I am an older, much older backpacker and I would like to thank all the wonderful young fellow travelers that have made my journeys better. It always suprises me when I’m included in your plans for the day or night and how much fun I’ve had because of you.
I have been teaching/traveling for the last ten years and I’ve lived in seven different countries. I’m sixty-seven and it has been one hell of a great journey. So thanks again to you young people and to each and every wonderful country I’ve had the fortune to know
Oh,perhaps soon you will be able to read my book–BIG BACKPACK–LITTLE WOMAN.
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No. 7 on the list brought tears to my eyes.
Sometimes, normal folks just do not think or act the way a physically challenged child / person does.
They somehow know how to connect at a more human level, than the rest of us.
God bless them
!
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David, great call on your 10th addition . . . I met that guy in China in ‘85 . . . have met most of ‘em in my 27 years spinning around the planet . . . a lesson to be had in every one of ‘em . . .
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These stories made me smile, and got me thinking about all the wonderful people I’ve had the fortune of meeting through travel. It’s true, sometimes the crass travellers are the ones that stand out in your memories, but experiencing the odd bit of kindness more than makes up for the bits of unpleasantness. I’ve loved reading all the other stories in the comments!
Leigh’s story rang true to me; I find it so heartwarming to meet children in other countries who are curious, inquisitive, confident. For a child to be welcoming and open with foreigners (rather than indifferent or scared of foreigners) always leaves me feeling that the world is going to be okay.
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What a great compilation of stories! Connecting with warm-hearted locals is exactly what makes traveling so rewarding for me. There’s actually a great site you can use to find friendly locals willing to host you (just meeting you for coffee, giving you a tour of their neighborhood, offering you a place to stay): https://www.tripping.com.
I also am fascinated by random acts of kindness from fellow travelers. I remember arriving at a train station in Berlin after traveling all night from Florence, Italy, and looking up at this long set of stairs, wondering how a tiny girl like me would manage to haul my two large suitcases filled with Italian shoes up to the top. All of a sudden, someone walked past me and picked up my bigger bag. I instinctively picked up my lighter bag and started to follow them up the stairs.
My tired brain was trying to figure out what was going on; was I being robbed?
Then this fellow traveler deposited my bag at the top of the stairs and walked on. I will never forget how grateful I was to that stranger for his act of kindness.↵ -
Travelling reminds me that people are, in general, kind and awesome. Once, I fell prey to the mistake of the backpacker—running out of money. I was in travelling up and down Thailand, and waiting for my contract to teach to begin in Japan. A few days before I was gonna leave I went to the Japanese embassy. I was down to my last few hundred baht when I thought I should take more money from the ATM to pay for my Japan visa. (Yes, I am stupid and did not look into visa cost before I decided to move there.) Aaaand my poor Canadian bank card was REJECTED. Guess I was too far in the red. I must have looked panicked because out of the blue, this guy starts talking to me and, what does he do but he pulls out HIS bank card and LENDS me about 4000 baht! This act of kindness re-affirmed my faith in humanity..and God, as I had sent a desperate prayer as I kicked and cursed the Bank of Montreal. Anyway.
I was in Sapa, Vietnam and as usual, the H’Mong minorties (often women) and often old, follow tourists along the hiking trails, usually providing hilarious stories as they charmingly convince you to buy clothes.. This one girl who we found out was 15, followed along with us , chatting and asking us questions about our various countries. All of us, decked out in hiking boots and proper backpacks found ourselves trailing after a tiny teenager wearing rubber flipflops. She beat us to the end of the trail and back again. But throught the whole 5 hour trek, I was charmed by the spirit of the girl. She had the driest sense of humour as she told us stories of her upcoming marriage (!!!) that she was not lookiing forward to. She sang Britney Speas songs as we clambered up a hill. Finally, at the end of the trip my friends and I were hungry and we were able to take her out for a meal. othing expensive at all, just awesome pho and Fantas. She told the owner of the restaurant that we were the nicest foreigners she had met. That made me feel happy BUT guitly, because we were not THAT nice to her. Anyway, in the end she made us all braclets and I stil have mine. A ratty, now dull string bracelet on my right arm makes me think of one of the coolest kids I met and certainly one of the most in shape/.
Travelling is really about the connections you make with people, whether it is someone sharing their wealth, a H’Mong teenager and 20 something adults bonding or a busker in SE Asia playing your favorite song…travel is all about the people that touch and change us and the people we leave an impact on.↵
