Some lessons come from people we know well, and some come from strangers—people we meet for only a few minutes, yet remember for years. In 2016, while travelling in Munich, I experienced both. For the very first time, I stayed with a former student, Anuja, who had warmly invited me to Germany.
Anuja, ever thoughtful, made sure I was well prepared before leaving for work. She explained exactly where I needed to go to catch the bus, showed me the route on a hand‑drawn map, told me the name of the stop, and even left me some change for the ticket. Confident, I set off to explore the city.
The streets were spotless, lined with elegant old apartment buildings. Their balconies, carved with detail and brightened by flower pots, drew my attention. Lost in admiration, I missed the right‑hand turn Anuja had marked. I crossed the road and wandered into another lane, quickly realising something was wrong.
I pulled out the little map, trying to retrace my steps. As I walked slowly, I noticed elderly residents with wheeled grocery bags—Hackenporsche, as they’re fondly called in Germany. Fascinated, I didn’t realise I was trailing behind an elderly man with one. He kept glancing back, suspicious of this stranger following him.
I smiled and seized the moment. “Excuse me, I’m looking for this bus stop,” I said, showing him Anuja’s map. His face softened instantly. He studied the map and gave clear directions: “Go straight, then turn right. Take a left on the main road. Walk two blocks, and the bus stop will be on your right. You’ll see a pharmacy at the crossroads—keep straight from there.”
Relieved, I thanked him and walked away, reassured. But he had done something more.
When I reached the crossroads, I repeated his instructions aloud, almost to comfort myself: “Look to the right. There should be a pharmacy. Then continue straight.”
Just then, a voice behind me said, “You are right on track!”
Startled, I turned. It was the same elderly man. He had followed me to make sure I truly found my way. Overwhelmed, I hugged him. We laughed, took a selfie, and before parting, he reminded me once more about the bus timings.
He hadn’t just given me directions—he had cared enough to walk a little further, to close the loop, to ensure that I had reached safely. I never saw him again. I don’t remember his name. But I remember his smile, his grocery trolley, his directions—and that moment when he appeared behind me and said: “You are right on track.”
Sometimes kindness doesn’t need a grand gesture. It is simply walking alongside someone until they feel steady. Sometimes, a stranger leaves you with a lesson you carry long after the journey is over.
I finally reached the bus stop and boarded the bus. That ride brought yet another unexpected encounter—one I’ve written about in an earlier blog.
Read it here → Messiah In Munich https://thepositivediary.com/messiah-in-munich/
The trolley bag that enchanted me ten years ago. 🙂
Yes one should always take that extra step to help someone. In today’s time people are afraid to trust people easily which is really sad. Hearing stories of how someone hypnotised a helping person dampens our spirits to go and assist people. Hope things turn well and people regain trust and smilingly go the extra mile to help strangers by going a little out of their comfort zone.
Absolutely. ❤️ Fear shouldn’t make us lose our faith in kindness. We may need to be a little more discerning, but I hope we never stop taking that extra step when someone genuinely needs help. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can restore someone’s faith in people. 🤗
It is our innate nature to be suspicious of others but this story is beautiful in its simplicity. Just help each other.
So true!
Let’s keep helping each other! 😊
That was so nice on the part of that elderly man. He taught how to go that extra mile with just a small deed, to win over a heart. Your warm reciprocating gesture was also equally important.
Thank you! ❤️
Sometimes a small act of kindness touches us deeply, and when we respond with warmth, it creates a beautiful little connection. 😊