(First Published Oct 2005 at www.travelblog.org/bloggers/gypsygal)
One of the valuable things that I learned while traveling is that there's no shortage of kindness everywhere. Journalism (and should I say, adulthood and the bitter experiences that I had to overcome) has made a cynic out of me, always suspicious of people's motivation, especially of strangers who want to befriend or help me. ( I was like, why? Do you need anything from me?).
But it was during my trip from Kathmandu to KL last September 29 that I had a change of heart. Good Samaritans do exist and that while i can't be fully trusting of strangers (let's be realistic, psychos also EXIST) I should learn to give people the benefit of the doubt.
The Nepal Air flight to KL was delayed by two hours. Of course, I was really annoyed that I had to sit there, looking at my fingernails more than half of the time. The thing is, delayed flights usually don't bother me because I always find a way to amuse myself – I either read, drink coffee, listen to some cds, write in my journal or meditate. I had a book with me and a discman during that time. But I didn't have the energy to do anything because I was ill-battling with head cold and fever. And while the aircon in the lounge of Tribuvhan airport wasn't really that cold, I felt I would freeze to death, or die from dehydration with me blowing my nose every five seconds.
I was praying a lot. Praying that I won't faint. Praying that the plane should arrive soon so i can just sleep in the plane (the Kathmandu-Kuala Lumpur flight is about 4 hours long, enough for a catnap).
I went out of the lounge as it was warmer. It was there that this curly-haired, thin, sari-clad Nepali gal approached me and mistook me (Oh God, I always get this) for a Nepali. I told her I'm not. And we chatted. She introduced herself as Radhika, a new grad, who's traveling for the first time in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand). Radhika, like most Nepalis that I met, is really friendly. It was Radhika who actually made my plane trip to KL a lot easier.
When our plane (finally) arrived, it was Radhika who found a way on how we can cut the queue. She told one of the airport guards that since most our co-passengers are traveling in a big group anyway (a group of Nepali workers hired by a KL-based employment agency), and their papers can be processed as a group, and not individually, maybe he can let us (two girls) get ahead of the loooooong line (and since this isn't Singapore where everything has to be in accordance with the rules…) we *rather Radhika got what she requested.
On board, Radhika wanted to sit beside me. But no Nepali passenger will exchange his seat for either mine and/or Radhika's seat. I told her not to worry, I'll just sit down (I was really ill, I'll sit and lie down on the floor if I had to) and I'll talk to her later.
Radhika, however, refused to give up. She talked to all stewards and stewardess, and with her natural spunkiness and a dose of feminine charm, she finally got us two seats at the BUSINESS CLASS section. (It was virtually empty, except for three Nepali workers who got lucky enough to be upgraded, free of charge). Oh God, I was just thankful for the wide berth, the extra attentive Nepali steward who'll give us water and/or juice at our beck and call. I chatted with Radhika, popped in my analgesic and slept my way to KL. The nap, the medicine and the comfy seat allowed me to recover.
****
I never saw Radhika again. We exchanged numbers, but she never called me. As for me, I wasn't able to call her as I was sick for the past few days, battling with head cold, dry cough and fever. I was cooped up in my room most of the time, popping in pills, eating noodles out of Styrofoam cups and drinking juice and water. Which is why I wasn't able to write and update this blog). The only time that I left the guesthouse was when my sis came in for a short visit, for some retail therapy in KLCC.
But it doesn't matter. I met Radhika at a right time, for the right purpose – to give me one of life's many lessons. And for that, I'll forever be thankful.
