I was recently visiting a city where I’d been before, but hadn’t spent much time. Normally, I stay away from tourists bars and restaurants and try to find places with local flavor. In this case, I opted for a tourist bar that was supposed to have a great view of the city (it did).
I was traveling solo, as I usually do. Lots of people were coming and going – mostly groups and couples. I noticed one single woman seated behind me who looked to be in her late 20’s. She ordered her drink and stared out the window, doodling in her notepad as her face frequently shifted from smiling to thoughtful. I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking and imagine the possibilities. Was she starting a new adventure? Ending an old one? New job? New city? Or maybe I’d missed the mark entirely.
If she was sitting beside me, I likely would have struck up a conversation to find out more about her journey. As it was, there was a busy aisle between us and talk would have been impossible. I decided instead to secretly pay her tab. I hoped she would like the gesture of two travelers looking out for each other. Even if she didn’t know the name or face. If she was having a good day already, it might come as a positive reward. And if her prospects were more ambiguous, perhaps a sign of hope.
To me, one of the most important aspects of traveling is to bring the great wide world into a more human scope. Travelers tend to look out for each other by instinct, so I mention my act not to highlight myself, but as a reminder of the saying about people facing issues we know nothing about and to be kind always.
So as you go about your own journey – whether at home or on the road – remember to stop once in a while and enjoy the view, do something nice for a stranger, and be kind…..always.