I came back from Mexico City the past week after spending a short three nights there. Early in the morning of my departure, I was boarding the van I requested from the hotel for the airport when asked by a woman if her family can ride with me, claiming that the hotel never completed their request for a similar conveyance.
Of course I said yes, almost without thinking too hard and refused any money, simply requested them to cover the tip. If I were still home, and ordered an Uber to the airport, would I have done the same for strangers? I would like to think so, but perhaps not?
There’s an effect while in unfamiliar places, where one is more guarded and yet vulnerable at the same time. Perhaps it’s a willingness to share with fellow strangers in a strange land, both wearing marks indicating a (small) level of uneasiness. After all, it’s difficult to feel tranquil while not home.
Yet I may treat random locals too harshly. Maybe out of necessity now with scammers ever present, but I distinctly remember in Istanbul, a man approached me telling me I had great pants. To be honest, fantastic praise, and I would have gladly parted with a few liras just for that, but I did say thanks and quickly departed while he asked more questions.
Moral of the story? Wear good pants.
As a coda, I did get bitten in the ass. The driver reported it to the hotel and they charged me more. Forever, I was able to ask the woman to cover the charge after we got back to the states and everything was fine.