Responding to Kindness with a Joyful Heart

Today, I signed up for a solo day tour to see elephants and visit Cypress Lanes and Ban Khang Wat. Most of the participants were either Korean or Taiwanese, and I was the only one attending the tour alone. Although it was a short morning tour of just over four hours, it turned out to be a heartwarming experience in many ways.

#Episode 1
In the morning, the pickup vehicle arrived in front of my accommodations, and there were already quite a few people in the vehicle. At that moment, a Korean fellow tourist next to me kindly informed me that I needed to fill out my personal information on a certain piece of paper. Grateful for her kindness, I wanted to repay her in a small way, so I took a candy out of my bag. I was worried she might decline, but she was so happy to receive it that I felt truly pleased. It seemed like she also wanted to give me something, as she rummaged through her bag, but she ended up looking a bit embarrassed as if she had nothing to offer. Nevertheless, my heart was already warmed enough.

#Episode 2
The first tour destination was an Elephant Farm Cafe. I felt embarrassed to ask someone to take my photo, so I was diligently taking pictures by myself. The elephants were larger than I expected and kept moving, making it difficult to get a good shot. My selfies turned out pretty bad (lol). However, the staff and the guide there offered to take pictures for me. Although I felt awkward and shy, preventing me from having natural expressions and poses, I was able to take plenty of photos with the elephants thanks to their help.

feeding the elephants

#Episode 3
The second tour spot was Cypress Lanes, a lush and densely forested area. Taking photos alone was challenging here as well. But the guide kindly offered again, "You seem to be here alone, let me take your picture!" Thanks to that, I was able to take many beautiful photos in the stunning scenery. Feeling immensely grateful, I decided to give her a tip before we parted ways. Honestly, I’m not fond of expressing sincerity through money in relationships, but I believed that tipping the guide was the best way to show my gratitude.

A photo snapped by the thai guide

#Episode 4
Upon arriving at the final tour destination, Ban Khang Wat, I was exploring alone when a pretty Korean girl approached me and asked, "Are you Korean?" She then said, "I thought you were so lovely at Cypress Lanes earlier, so I took a few photos and wanted to send them to you via AirDrop." It was an incredibly thankful and moving moment. These kinds of moments resonate deeply with me — pure acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. After receiving the photos, feeling so grateful for her kindness, I wondered how I could repay her in a small way. While looking around, I discovered a shop selling cute bead rings. I bought a ring that I thought would match her style and vowed to give it to her the next time we met. As the gathering time was almost up and I couldn’t see her, I started to worry, but fortunately, I bumped into her nearby and was able to give her the gift. She was so happy with it, and it made me feel wonderful too.

A photo snapped by a pretty Korean girl

In life, there are times when we extend kindness to others and, conversely, when we are willing to accept kindness. Simply giving can already fulfill one’s heart. However, since nothing is taken for granted, at least when I receive kindness, I try not only to fully enjoy that joy but also to express gratitude it within my means. I believe that by doing so, the memories of the kindness you've shown become even more beautiful.

 

I hope there are many people in the world who maintain such warm hearts.