Here's to the Great Ones

Is there anything more wonderful than waking up to this spectacular sunrise on a quiet island paradise?

Yes, there is.

It is when my lovely host — the island's police lieutenant — drives me to the pier to catch a ferry first thing in the morning.

It is when he arranges for his colleague to give me a ride in his police cruiser to Surat Thani, since he is also taking the ferry and is heading there anyway.

It is when he stops three times during the 1.5-hour drive to ask for directions to my destination, yet shows no signs of frustration.

It is when we barely understand each other, but can still manage to commiserate about the heat, comment on the overall deliciousness of Thai food and marvel at the beauty of the coast's majestic cliffs.

It is when he finally finds the Surat Thani bus station, helps me with my bags, shakes my hand vigorously and will not leave until he's sure I can find the bus I need.

It is when he will not accept payment for any of this.

It is when a grandfatherly man on the bus to Champhon takes time to explain how I can show my ticket and receive a free bottle of water at our lunch stop.

It is when this same man, unprompted, tells me he will keep in contact with the driver and make sure I get off at the right stop.

It is when he invites me to his restaurant on Koh Samui as he waves goodbye, leaving me with his business card and a huge grin.

It is when a woman smiles shyly at me as she parks her scooter near the ATM that I'm just leaving.

It is when, a few minutes later, she sprints along the Champhon sidewalk to flag me down, breathlessly yelling in Thai to catch my attention.

It is when she hands me my bank card, which I had left in the ATM. (!!!)

It is when I stare at her, numb with shock, and consider putting her name on the short list for that of my first-born child.

And all of that was just today.

***

There are people who give places like Thailand a terrible reputation — the kind of people who make travelers clutch their purses tightly and regard every tuk-tuk driver with an air of suspicion. There are endless horror stories online that could make anyone want to just stay home.

I'm quite paranoid in that I tend to think everyone is out to get me, and that creates a huge barrier when it comes to genuinely connecting with people.

You could say my mindset has been a success, since I haven't been robbed or majorly ripped off yet (knock on wood), but I hate that I walk around assuming the worst. I think it's unfortunate and unhealthy to explore new places through such a negative lens, albeit a subconscious one.

Besides, I may be my own worst enemy, judging by my bank-card carelessness.

Today has reminded me that most people in most places are good.

And a ridiculous proportion clearly go out of their way to be great.

I will strive to travel with informed caution, not malignant suspicion.

There must be a happy balance.

***

To the Thai folks who dropped everything for as little as a few minutes to as long as two hours to help me out today: Thank you. You are absolute gems.

When I return to Seattle and inevitably notice a tourist struggling, I will take the time to help in any way I can and hope I can add as much brightness to his or her day as you did to mine.

Even the simplest gesture has huge meaning.

It says, from one citizen of this world to another, in any language:

"It's OK. You are welcome here. I've got you."

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