one of the greatest things about traveling that never ceases to amaze me is the kindness of strangers. the way people lead you to the right direction when you've lost your way; or how an unexpected hand carries your luggage as you struggle to lift it down the stairs. this kindness can come in the form of a smile and uplifting conversation, in moments when you're feeling alone. it comes as a free drink and baklava from sun-kissed waiters living along the coast. it comes in the most ordinary of things and gestures at the most random and unexpected moments, like a protective arm that guides you as you walk through a throng of donkeys. and they continue to remain among the sweetest of my memories. the kindness of strangers humbles me each time and reminds me to do the same. what a gift to experience this human phenomenon, to discover there's still so much goodness in humanity. this is why i travel, not merely for the pleasure of seeing and tasting a new city or country, but for the invaluable gift of learning more about our people. i believe that it takes a lot of courage to open yourself up to the world this way. to have our own beliefs challenged and even proven wrong. it takes a heart filled with wonder to appreciate cultural differences and not judge them. because it's only then we begin to see how we're all connected, that we have more things in common than we care to admit.
most of these people i'll never see again, some will continue to stay in touch, some i'll get to encounter again in my travels and a precious few whose friendships i will get to keep for a very long time. there are faces i may forget, but the truly important stuff will linger. their kindness will endure. one kind act that would always remind me how we ceased to be strangers to one another, but friends living in the same world.
