A few years back, I was traveling in Europe. Anuja invited me to her place in Munich. It was the first time that I stayed with a student. 😊 One day, Anuja went to work, and I planned to visit Marienplatz. Anuja gave me cash for the bus, the bus number, and proper instructions with a small map on how to reach the bus junction about 700 meters away.

It was a pleasant day. The excellent roads had beautiful houses with cute flowering plants on the balconies along the route. I kept watching them and I lost the way to the bus stop. With help from local folks, I got on track and reached the Kapuzinerplatz bus stop. I had to board a bus to Central Railway Station and explore my way towards Marienplatz.

In Europe, we have to enter the bus, pay the driver, and then move in to take a seat. I gave him 10 Euros for the ticket; the fare was 7.80 Euros.

Driver: I don’t have change, give me change.

I looked, found two 5€ notes, and said that’s all I have. The driver gave me an ‘Oh you go away’ look. That wasn’t very pleasant. I didn’t know what to do. I looked around and saw only Germans on board. I didn’t know the German language. One gentleman who just boarded the bus looked over my shoulder.

I: (looking sideways at the man) I need a 2.80€ change.

Driver: Lady, pay or get down. (Surely, he had a bad start to his day.)

Others were still boarding the bus. I didn’t want to get down as the next bus would arrive only after 30 odd minutes. Woefully, I looked at the driver and then one last look at the other travelers for help. The gentleman caught my eye. He jumped out of his seat, and with a flourish, he took off his hat, bowed to the others, and said – Change for the lady, please.

Quickly, people contributed their 10/20/25/ cents, and within seconds the gentleman collected 2.80 Euros. Graciously, he gave the change to me. Happily, I gave the driver the exact required fare. By now, everyone was seated inside the bus.

Driver: Take a seat. I will start the bus.

I turned around and looked for a seat. Feeling overwhelmed at the impromptu help, I thanked everyone, and people only nodded. It was like they did their bit, and it was over. The gentleman had put on his hat and pointed at a single seat opposite him.

Me: (Smiling and sitting down) Thank you so much. It is very kind of you to collect my fare. Please keep this 5€.

Gentleman: (smiling, speaking in German): Everyone has contributed, and I can’t take the money.

Though he spoke in German, I could understand what he said through his facial expressions, gestures, and demeanor. I insisted once more. The gentleman smiled sweetly and nodded his head to say no.

Gentleman: (gesturing) Keep it in your purse and use it later.

We continued the journey in silence, and he got down after a couple of stops as if he’d boarded the bus only to rescue me!! For a long time, I was overwhelmed by the kind deeds of the gentleman and the generosity of other travelers. Hats off to my messiah for the day in a foreign land. 😊