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I landed in San Fransisco airport. While standing in the immigration line for the entry stamp, I asked a couple of Indian ladies about the must-visit places in SF.  A lady with a baby in her arms gave me good suggestions. The immigration officer had a list of questions for me and the others went ahead to pick up their bags. After I got the entry stamp, I walked towards the bags and noticed a line for trolleys. A man was taking payment for the trolley and was releasing them.

Me: Can I get a trolley? The man didn’t look up.

Me: (Randomly asked another man), Will they accept Forex Card?

Man: Yes. How many trolleys do you need?

Me: One, I have two bags and this carry-on.

Man: He scanned a code on the wall and said “Take this trolley”. He walked ahead.

Me: (Astonished because he paid for me) How will I pay you?

Man: Smiled, walked ahead, turned sideways, indicated that I take the trolley, and said – Welcome to San Fransisco, enjoy your trip.

I saw the lady with the baby join him. They were a couple with 2 kids, the man held the hand of a little boy. The lady smiled warmly and waved from the other side before going around the corner. Still dazed at the generosity I waved back with a smile. They paid 8$ for me, a stranger…!! Wow!! Both husband and wife had been kind to me.

I had a connecting flight and had to walk quite a bit to reach the zone. I pushed the trolley smiling, overwhelmed at the stranger’s generosity. What a warm welcome to San Fransisco. 😊

Similarly, at Ottawa station. I’d taken a train from Oshawa Station in Toronto to Ottawa, and from there I had to take a train from Trembley station to Rideau.   

At Trembley station, I had to buy my ticket from the ATM-like machine. Not familiar with how it worked I watched two people get their tickets and observed that one machine was not working. I asked a lady in front of me how the system works. She said she didn’t know as she was from Toronto. She couldn’t use her card too so she moved aside searching for another card. I turned towards the machine to buy a ticket, but the machine did not accept my Forex card or my credit card. Again, I looked at the lady for help. She said she also failed to use a prepaid card, so she used her credit card. She looked at me holding her gaze and understood my dilemma. Before I could think of using my debit card or anything else,

Lady: Where are you going?

Me: Rideau

Lady: See I’ve just bought a ticket to the same place; you keep this and I will buy a new ticket for myself.

Me: Ma’am it’s a 4$ ticket. How will I pay you?

Lady: (Dismissing me) It doesn’t matter. I’ve been in your shoes before. Someone helped me once, now it’s my turn

Me: Thanks a ton for this ma’am!! 😊

She seemed in a hurry. She got her ticket and rushed ahead disappearing in the crowd. While swiping my ticket to open the gate, I fumbled and asked my way around the platform. I was filled with gratitude. What would I have done if she would not have paid for my ticket?

The selfless acts by both strangers made me feel welcome in a foreign land and reminded me that kindness transcends borders.

Have you offered impromptu help to a stranger?