While on a Karen Hill tribe trek near Chiang Mai, Thailand we were brought into a house to see how they lived. It was kind of strange to have eight foreigners crammed in this little house while they were cooking, but they did not seem perturbed. We took a few obligatory photographs and moved on.
As soon as we left, I noticed the lens in my camera was missing. Thinking I must have left it in the house I returned. They did not speak English, but quickly understood I was looking for something. I could not find it, so I smiled and moved on.
Walking quickly to rejoin the group, I all of a sudden heard a pitter patter of feet behind me. I turned around and this little guy was running as fast as he could with my camera lens in his hand extended toward me. I could tell he was excited to help me out. I could not thank him in his language, but it did not matter as words were unnecessary. He was happy to have found it and returned it, and I appreciated his help.
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Great story Ted. Chang Mai is on my bucket list and I can’t wait. I wonder if you had left your lens in the US if it would have been returned???
Nomadic Texan recently posted..Living La Vina
I think most people are good decent people no matter where you are. I would like to think that 85-95% of the population would do the right thing and return it. What was cool about this scenario is we barged into their house and took pictures of them like we were in some sort of zoo, but then this happened. It brought a human element into the interaction between me and the hilltribe family.
Very cool. I’m not surprised at all. Thai people are great. 🙂
T.J. & Charlotte recently posted..Lost my Wedding Band!!! – Vang Vieng, Laos
No, it is never a surprise to hear a story where a Thai person did something really nice.
Such stories always make the best memories from travels!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs recently posted..Friday Lens Affair #19
Very true Marysia. This happened 8 years ago, but I will never forget this simple memory.