Got a light?

It's interesting where help comes from sometimes.

This last trip I took to Hong Kong was mainly just about me wandering around areas I hadn't been before, trying new foods and meeting some new people.

The pics taken here are from around the West Kowloon area. I wandered here following a line of interesting looking housing projects, camera stores and eateries. I had just stopped to have a little cigar I'd bought along the way, and while I was smoking it by a city garbage can/ashtray, a guy who looked maybe Pakistani or Iranian asked me for a light.

I gave him my lighter, and he lit up a cool looking gold-tipped cigarette.

Anyway, he thanked me, making a comment about how I was "nicer than most..." I assume he was going to say either white people or Americans, but he trailed off and I didn't feel the need to press the issue.

After I walked off, I noticed he was heading my way. I went across the street, through an underpass, and over a foot bridge and saw he was still following me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but seemed hesitant.

So I stopped and turned to him, and finally he asked me where I was going. I told him I was headed to the West Kowloon waterfront, and he said that's what he thought, and that I was going the wrong way. If I wanted to get there I'd have to go back across the bridge and take a left there.

I thanked him, headed on my way, and he went back to the shop he'd originally walked out of.

This story shows 2 things. One is that even with a smartphone with maps (including a compass), I still am able to somehow get lost. Anyone who knows me can vouch for my complete lack of any sense of direction.

And the second thing is that you should try not to be a prick if you can. If someone wants a light and you have a lighter, give it to them. Hold doors open. Just be nice. And you never know, they might end up helping you out even when you had no idea you needed it.