Around the city

 Kindness is free to give but priceless to receive  

Sometime around last month one fine evening I decided to go the Dragon mart with the thought of exploring one corner of this city Dubai that is synonymous with Malls.

As an expat, navigating this city has never been an issue for me. This city is well-connected with various public transport options and digital platforms, making it easy to find and reach destination within city limits.

Upon exploring the items, it became clear that I had been overpaying for certain items. Had I discovered this place earlier, I could have spent significantly lesser. But the key is negotiation. Sellers are exceptionally friendly here and often willing to negotiate reasonably. 

Though I had the urge to splurge, I limited my purchases as I knew I had to walk half a mile to catch return bus and further different bus to reach home with little walking. 

As I entered the bus station, I noticed a man seemed to be a security guard approached me, gesturing in a way suggested that he was curious where I was headed. In response, I held up 5 fingers and 3 fingers, indicating I was looking for bus 53.  Before he could come closer to a distance at which we both could hear ourselves, we finished our sign language conversation and I found out the bus will come in 10 mins. 

After he approached me, he asked if I needed water to drink. I didn't think twice, and said big yesss! as I sat on the bench, he came with 3 packed small water bottles. I could see his uniform and a logo to realise he was not a security guard, he was an RTA authority. He said he would tell me if the bus came. It really stuck me, this small moment. His humility! An act of kindness made my day!

It reminded me of how much humility we must owe this society and show compassion to be people cross our paths. As for me, I prefer to say hello, seek help for direction than to roam around with earphones plugged while I travel. 

#Kindness is never out of fashion