While walking on the streets of Berlin during my solo trip to Europe, I came across a piece of Berlin Wall with an artwork that said, “Be Nice.” As rightly mentioned on the wall, “Being Nice” is the biggest gift that we could give to anyone. And, I was lucky to have received this gift from some of the nicest people I met in Europe. While planning this trip, I was warned by many that I may have to face the elitist behaviour at few places, but they were so wrong. In fact, my stay wouldn’t have been this wonderful, if it wouldn’t have been for these amazing people I bumped into. To me, they are the Superheroes that appeared out of nowhere sometimes to help me, sometimes to guide me, sometimes to make me smile and sometimes to just show me the magic of goodness. They are my “Superheroes of Travel” and here’s why:
1. Zulfukar, my Uber-cool driver
I met Zulfukar during my Uber ride in Berlin. While I was busy looking at the passing houses and streets, I could see Zulfukar’s smiling face and hesitant eyes looking at me through the rear mirror. Perhaps, he was afraid because of our language barrier, nevertheless, he took the first step to talk to me. He started with the usual question “Where are you from?” I said “India” and instantly, his eyes lit up. In his broken English with a hint of Turkish accent, he said, “I love India and the Indian Food.” Likewise, I love Turkish cuisine.
Our love for each other’s country and cuisine sparked many conversations. I was so engrossed chit-chatting that I realised I had reached my destination only when Zulfukar said, “Ma’am, we have reached. Please do not pay the entire amount, two euros off for you.” I was overwhelmed with his sweet gesture. I thanked him for the lovely time, bid my goodbye and left. Little did I know that there was more to this story, the next day when I reached my room after a day of wandering the city, a box of Lindt chocolates sat on the table waiting for me. The box had a note on it, which said “Have a nice trip. Thank you! Zulfukar.” Need I say more? Gratitude often comes from people you least expect, doesn’t it?
2. Lady at the Station
As a tourist, the first thing you will do is visit the nearest railway station, right? Following this protocol, I visited the nearest station (Hermannplatz) to the place where I was put up. Most of the ticket vending machines in Berlin are automatic, so was the case at Hermannplatz station. Now, it’s not a big deal getting a ticket from an automatic machine, but it becomes a big deal when everything on the screen is displayed in German Language. Usually, you can find a translation tab on the screen, but somehow I failed to notice it that day. With a baffled look, I stood there staring at the machine trying to figure out the words. Suddenly, I hear a frail voice. I turned around and see an old lady maybe in her 80’s speaking to me in German. She pointed at the screen and with the help of some hand actions and German words guided me in booking a train ticket. I thanked her for helping me and moved on.
During the next few days, every time I passed the station, I would see her standing next to the ticket machine. One day, I went to her and asked, “I see you here every day. Do you stay close-by?” She replied, “I come here every day to help tourists buy a ticket through the machine.” Sweet, isn’t it? I was so touched by her gesture that I bought some flowers from the nearby florist and gave it to her. And in return, I got a nice, big, warm SMILE from her.
3. The Happy server at Layaly Beirut
I love Lebanon cuisine, so the moment I came across Layaly Beirut in Interlaken, I knew I had found a good dining place for myself. As I entered the restaurant, a friendly and helpful server welcomed me. He made sure I was fed well, gave me company while I dined and spoke about his life, Lebanon, Switzerland and various cuisine. Of course, that’s their job, but what I didn’t really expect is getting treated by him to a nice, expensive Red Wine. When I said that I didn’t call for a wine. He said, “This is from us to a lovely lady travelling on her own. Enjoy the drink!”
4. Chocolate Lady from Schuh
In Switzerland, my everyday ritual was to visit different chocolate stores in the town. One such store that I visited frequently was Schuh. Every time, I enter a patisserie or a chocolate store, I am in a dilemma of choosing what to eat. I stood there like a kid staring at the counter and getting confused as always. The lady at the counter, a charming and polite lady sensed my plight and came to my rescue. I wanted to know everything about each chocolate that was on display and patiently, with a smile she would describe it to me. And every day that I visited the store, she would make sure to give me one truffle free.
5. Ever-smiling Elena
I met Elena at the place where I was put up in Interlaken. While exploring a new place, I like taking advice from the locals, because they know the best and Elena was so helpful and resourceful. Every day, I would trouble her for suggestions for exploring the town around and she would happily oblige to help me. Thanks to her, I took the cruise ride on Lake Brienz which I would have skipped otherwise. The cruise is my most favourite experience of the trip.
6. Supergirl Anne
My lovely host in Lyon, Anne is an inspiring woman and I am so glad that I had the chance to spend some great time with her and her beautiful friends and colleagues (Thanks to my friend, Sajid for connecting us). She not only opened up her house to me but also made me feel so much at home. At the end of my Lyon trip, I literally felt like I belonged there. From making me Indian Dinner to inviting me to her office, from making me try Ethiopian dinner to taking me to her rock climbing sessions, thanks to her I discovered Lyon and it’s people. By the way, did I mention that Anne cycled from India to France? Yeah, see now you know one of the reasons that make her inspiring.
7. Owner of Mont Liban
On my last night in Paris, I came across Mont Liban, a quaint-looking Lebanese restaurant. I had walked past through this place number of times, but never really paid attention until I read Lebanese food. The cuisine was enough for me to step in. An old, pleasant looking man greeted me warmly and gave me a table at a cozy corner. There was something about him that was so comforting just like the vibes that you get from grandparents. But what is interesting is that during my trip, I was reading Ruskin Bond’s “Falling in Love Again” and this man looked like Mr. Bond’s Doppelganger. And he had the same warmth as that of Ruskin Bond’s words.
I was engrossed in reading the menu when I heard him say, “Are you on your own?” By now, I was used to this question. Everywhere I went, the first thing someone would ask me was this. “Yes”, I told him. And our conversation started. He was happy to know that I am from India and mentioned to me about his dream of settling in India post-retirement from his restaurant business. He was from Lebanon, settled in Paris for many years and has been running Mont Liban. As the conversation kept flowing, so did the food on my table. No, I didn’t order so many things. I had ordered just one dish and a glass of wine, but my generous host kept ordering food and bottle of wine for me. At the end of my meal, I felt like a balloon about to burst.
My food marathon didn’t end here, after treating me with some starters and a bottle of wine, he also gave me a special dessert wine from Lebanon and my favourite sweet Baklava. By the way, I had ordered only one Baklava, but he gave me four. Somehow, I managed to polish it off. When I was handed over the bill, I realized he had only charged me for the dish and the glass of wine, everything else (Baklava, the bottle of wine, starter and the dessert wine) was on the house. I insisted on paying for it, but he refused, shook my hand, gave me a warm hug and asked me to visit next time I am in Paris. I couldn’ have asked for a better end to my trip, but what I regret is not having a photo with him. Maybe, I was so engrossed in conversation with him that I completely forgot to get a photo clicked. Nevertheless, this moment has etched in my heart and mind forever.
I believe, for every bad, there is a good and when I meet such superheroes, my belief just grows stronger. Humanity doesn’t care where you from, what you do, it just looks past through your colour, race, religion and looks, and sees you as another human being. Next time if you come across such heroes in your travel or in everyday life, cherish them and the moment because that’s what creates beautiful memories. These are the moments that we should care for.
Happy Traveling and Meeting Superheroes!