Day 18 - Jun — Felix Ast

Today, finally should be the day for a small backpack. And the permit.

Plus, as a chill day I looked was looking forward to having some time to write and work on the webpage. I was like five days behind already.

Realizing there is just too much happening here. And if it wasn't I'd probably not be happy.

Looking for a nice cafe. I went into the city.

Like a missile.

Heatseaking. Knowing where I wanna go.

To the Tourist Office first.

Got there. This time with time. My permit was being taken care of.

And then I noticed an Asian person.

He didn't really feel comfortable. Not knowing what to do.

"You here for the Permit?"

He nodded. His English was not the best. Hindi he did not speak.

He was from Japan. A really great guy. But Japanese would not help him much here. And I just got the feeling maybe he is a little bit lost here. Maybe he needs help.

I arranged the Permit thing for him.

After that was taken care of I felt with him though. But it seemed like he had somewhat of a plan. Enough so I could now continue with my mission.

I told him "okay, Bro nice to met you. Now I go to work. Do you need anything more? Any more help?"

And his answer just showed me how. much. help he actually needed. He was Japanese. By culture, his priority would be to not be a burden for others. But his own situation didn't leave him any other option it seems.

Life works different here than orderly Japan. It's chaos.

Everything is different.

So he said...

"Yes."

And that's when an unlikely effort to help started. I was reminded of my own first time in India.

I couldn't even cross a street without help. So I could relate. And that's why eventually my will to help won over the will to work.

Meet Jun!

He needed money. A sim card. An agency. The bus station. And food.

Basically. He needed all. And he knew that I wanted to work. It must have made him so uncomfortable.

But I just couldn't stop helping him until it was all done. We managed in such a way that we'd combine our both to do lists.

I needed to go the bus stations as well. And the markets leading there would also allow me to get my backpack.

Food I also need.

So we have a substantial overlap.

That all together would take six or seven hours though was not what I expected.

Maybe that was also a test. Would I really hold what I say? Serving others?

There was one clear highlight. We went to the authentic restaurant.

I needed to go the washroom.

They made me wait for five minutes. Then they allowed me into it.

And I cannot imagine how it was looking five minutes before. Because they were clearly cleaning it.

Thank god I only had to do the small business. But still, it was not pleasant. The smell. Uagh.

I returned. Knowing Japanese cleanliness. And the constrast this was. I told him... "that was... bad... I hope you do not need to use the toilet."

We had food. And then... he asked about the washroom.

My inner being cried.

"Don't do it!"

I suggested "maybe let's look for another place?"

But he couldn't wait it seems like. Or was simply curious.

I pointed him toward the washroom.

He entered.

After two seconds he left again.

Nope. Not here.

He looked me into my eyes and his sheer disgust was all over his face as it can be over an Asian face. As soon as we left we laughed as loud as we can. Because that was absolutely not what he expected. And I could understand it, judging from my time in Japan.

We explored Leh some more.