The Kindness of Strangers in Travel
Friendly firestarters. Impromptu translators. Spontaneous hosts. These are just a few examples of the unsung heroes encountered during travels; strangers who stepped in to smooth a passage, resolve a problem, or simply spread a little love. Here’s to the friends you never knew you had.
Help from a Pro in California, USA
After pitching a flimsy tent next to the hulking RVs of pro campers in Inyo National Forest, California, a friend and I were determined to cook a campfire feast. Mildly delirious with hunger and woefully underprepared, we began rubbing sticks together à la Bear Grylls. After 30 spark-free minutes, a rotund, red-faced American (presumably a witness to our struggle) marched over with a gas can in hand, doused our fire pit, and threw down a lit match. As the flames burst up from the ground behind him, he turned and walked away. Heroes don’t always wear capes, but sometimes they wear khaki shorts and baseball caps.
Found in Translation in Okinawa, Japan
After a long drive, we reached our guesthouse in a small village in northern Okinawa, Japan. We were ravenous, and after checking in, I asked the receptionist to book a table at the adjoining restaurant, the only place to eat for miles. Half an hour later, we arrived to find it full. None of the staff spoke English, and my Japanese was very poor. I struggled to explain that we had a booking, but the waitress did not understand me. Fortunately, a woman who had been watching offered to translate. We were sorted in minutes, and as we dined, the friendly woman, Yayoi, invited us to her home the following night, where she cooked an amazing dinner. This experience became one of my favorite memories from Japan, and I am thankful for the kindness that allowed me to make a lifelong friend.
Joining the Party in Mo’orea, Tahiti
While traveling through Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, a friend and I spent 10 days in Tahiti with little money and no plan. After an unpleasant night in a Papeete hostel, we ferried to Mo’orea, arriving drenched on the doorstep of three French men, who kindly offered us a room for the night. Once we’d changed into dry clothes, we discovered we were crashing a birthday celebration, complete with a care package from France. We enjoyed exquisite food, drank French wine, and ended up staying for a week, immersed in delightful company.
Not Just a Friendly Face in Fiji
My solo backpacking trip included crossing paths with university friends in Fiji. Upon arrival, however, my credit card was swallowed by an ATM, leaving me stranded with no means to contact anyone. Initially resistant, I eventually accepted the assistance of a booking agent, who called various guesthouses and quickly located my friends, guiding me onto the next available boat. Her cheerful demeanor assured me everything would work out, and indeed it did.
A Small Gesture in Mozambique
The day began catastrophically when my backpack, carrying essential medicine, disappeared over the horizon on a truck. Fortunately, the truck returned, and I climbed aboard among a crowd of Mozambicans. As I regained my composure, the man beside me offered some sugar cane. That simple act made me feel connected to everyone in that moment. Later, when I struggled to pay for something with large cash notes, he graciously assisted me, emphasizing the warmth of hospitality in his country.
Bamboozling the Bandits in Nepal
During a treacherous trek in Western Nepal, I found shelter by a lake as dusk fell. In the dark, a group of men approached me with torches and knives, gesturing for me to follow. Instead of running away, I decided cautious waiting might be wise. Amazingly, we reached a village where an English-speaking tailor helped translate. He offered me a bed for the night and kept me safe during a heavy rainstorm, embodying the kindness and generosity that transcends cultures.
Getting Hands-on Guidance in Railay, Thailand
After a chaotic travel experience in Thailand, I arrived in Railay exhausted and lost, having taken the wrong boat. Just when I considered giving up, a kind German traveler, also lost, guided me over rocky paths and lent me her phone to contact home. Our bond deepened through shared experiences, aiding each other during our travels, demonstrating the true nature of travel companionship.
A Show of Pride in Jackson, USA
During a budget journey across the Southern USA, my friend and I met a friendly gentleman in a Jackson, Mississippi bar’s smoking area. He was intrigued by our low-budget experiences and passionate about his hometown of New Orleans. After sharing favorite places to visit, he unexpectedly offered to cover our stay at a hotel overlooking Bourbon Street, highlighting the warmth and generosity often found in local communities during travel.
