Wednesday, April 25, 2012

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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20 comments:

  1. This is awesome. I was there for a few weeks a couple years ago, and almost every day I think about how I need to go back. I've tried to convince myself that the reason I loved it so much is just that it was different and exotic just so I can focus on trying to go to new places that I haven't been, but the people are truly just so nice, patient, fun and helpful there. The way they smile and wave for no reason, how they joke and laugh and stumble over their English when you're trying to order food. And with the number of tourists there they would have every reason to be angry and jaded, but they're not. Great post!

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    1. I agree — with the insane number of tourists, I have no idea how they keep their patience and friendliness. It's so, so appreciated though!

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  2. That first photo is absolutely stunning - one of the best I have ever seen!

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    1. Thank you! It was far more spectacular in person, if you can believe it.

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  3. I have more memories from Thailand than any other country I've been to of people going out of their way to help me -- to find someone that spoke English to give me directions; to get on the bus with me to make sure I got where I wanted to go; to walk me to the train station to ensure I found it, etc. etc. I am always surprised when I hear stories of people getting ripped off. I had the most amazing experience with the locals. They were wonderful. I'm glad your experience today has been similar! :)

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    1. Wonderful!! I'm glad I chose to spend so much time here. : )

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  4. It's people like this who make a trip exceptional! It sounds like Thailand has been very good to you. :D

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    1. Definitely — I will remember and be grateful for each of these people forever.

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  5. This reminds me why I want to travel - both the amazing view and amazing people you meet along the way!

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    1. Yes! Unfortunately I am shy about taking photos of people, so most of the pictures I have are just of the amazing view... but there are plenty of amazing people to go around.

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  6. Great story Devon - reminds us of the power of true kindness. We are looking forward to experiencing the same kindness when we're in Thailand next year (and will look for all opportunities to pay it forward in Seattle until we leave... :)

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    1. Have fun planning your trip! You'll have a great time. Yay for paying it forward!

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  7. Great post Devon, reminds us all not too be too cynical when traveling :-)

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  8. See, there are still good people in the world! What a comforting thing while you are in a foreign land!

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    1. Very comforting! And such a good reflection on the country as a whole.

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  9. Nice one, Devon! I've had a few of those experiences--it's incredibly refreshing. And, glad to see you're willing to pay it forward :-)

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  10. What a great feeling, to be surrounded by people who really care and make the extra effort to make you feel welcome. So glad that young woman gave you your bank card - that was a close call!

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