"Waiting for you."
This is what I was told when I rushed to the Skytrain elevator in Bangkok. I was on my way to the evening class and I barely talked to anyone from the airport to the course center ‒ I took the public bus from the airport and then the Skytrain to my B&B. There were a lot of signs in English to let me know where I was and where I was heading. I could also ask the transportation staff or seven-eleven staff if there was anything I needed. Apart from that, there was no need for me to talk to any locals in between. That's how I planned my route carefully.
Because, in the past, a stall owner once responded angrily (from my perspective) when I asked "How much?" to buy her snacks, Khanom Buang, a kind of Thai mini crepe snack. Her facial expression and the body language she used to say "I won't sell you" was, honestly, so rude to me and I was offended. Since then, I have bought only from stalls that have the price clearly displayed in English or avoided them completely if they couldn't communicate in English. And, I mostly ended up buying food in seven-eleven or food courts for my meals. LOL
Furthermore, I learned how to say "I cannot speak Thai" in the Thai language as a way to let people know I wasn't local when they approached me for conversation. The funny thing is they almost always ended up confused and amused by my "I cannot speak Thai" at the same time. Making jokes about this has also become a thing for me with my Thai friends.
Back to the elevator story above, an old neighborhood lady in her 60s was also waiting for the elevator at the Skytrain station when I rushed there. She smiled at me and started talking in Thai. So I gave my witty response: "I can't speak Thai" in a flawless Thai accent. She paused for a second and said "Waiting for you" in English while giving me a big sweet smile. That was the last thing I expected from an old Thai grandma because my listening at that time was that she definitely couldn't speak English, for sure.
I don't remember her face to date but I can still clearly remember her voice, her "waiting for you" and the smile she gave me that day. It was her smile that made my whole trip enjoyable and changed my perception of Thai old people.
Also, I appreciate myself for giving such a witty reply even though I could have totally ignored her conversation with a casual smile. I appreciate myself for allowing me to savor that moment rather than wasting it.
Sometimes, it is not difficult to make someone's day. It can be a smile, a kind word, or a sweet gesture. All you need to do is be willing to give to others and enjoy it fully when you receive one.
Step outside your own world, allow yourself to do so and open your mind.
Thank you grandma for your smile, thank you for making my days.
Yamong Thaw
Mar 19, 2022 (Saturday)
