During my travels in Colombia, I encountered many beautiful sights and experiences, but one unexpected encounter in Santa Marta left an indelible mark on my life. It was a brief stay, just four days, but what I witnessed there will forever change my perspective.
Arriving at the hostel late at night, around 2 a.m., I felt a twinge of anxiety. The neighborhood was rundown, and as a solo traveler, I had been advised to avoid such areas. After checking in, I placed my bags on the bed and stepped out onto the balcony for a smoke. It was then that I noticed an older man, seemingly homeless, sitting under a small shelter with all his belongings. What caught my attention was the rifle in his hand and a large knife beside him. My instinct was to keep my distance, fearing he might pose a threat.
The next morning, the sun shone brightly, and I was eager to explore Playa Blanca. Before heading out, I took another smoke on the balcony and saw the man again, this time working. Across from the hostel was a bustling pharmacy, and I realized that the man was helping people park their cars and bikes for tips. As I left the hostel, he approached me. In fear, I quickly said a brief "hola" and jumped into a taxi, worried he might attack me. However, I soon realized that he had no intention of harming anyone; he was simply trying to make a living.
Returning late that evening, I saw him again, tirelessly assisting people with parking. His dedication began to inspire me. After a shower and a meal, I decided to overcome my fear and approached him with two cups and some coffee. I noticed him boiling a kettle over a small fire he had built, a simple yet resourceful act that spoke volumes about his resilience. Despite the language barrier, we managed to communicate enough to share a cup of coffee together. We laughed at our attempts to converse and eventually sat in silence, enjoying the warmth of the fire. I offered him a cigarette, we exchanged smiles, and I headed to bed.
The following morning, as I strolled down to the harbor, he greeted me with a hug, a cigarette, and a beautiful cup of coffee he had prepared just for me. His kindness and gratitude were overwhelming.
On my last night at the hostel, I stayed on the balcony until 4 a.m., watching him work tirelessly. Despite having so little, he radiated happiness and gratitude. He worked around the clock, needing a gun and knife for safety, yet he seemed content and fulfilled. It was a powerful reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
Before leaving for my next destination, I wrote him a heartfelt note, thanking him for everything he had shown me. I also gave him some money, equivalent to about £20. As he read the note, tears of joy filled his eyes, and I too was moved to tears. The note read:
"Hi buddy, I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND, BUT I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU WHILE SMOKING MY CIGARETTES THE LAST 3 DAYS. You are a credit and an Incredible Human Being. You Inspire me, You Work Very Hard Every day. Never stop, never give up on your dream, And be proud of yourself. Thanks for inspiring me."
The lesson I learned from this remarkable man is that no matter how low we feel, there is always someone facing greater challenges. By embracing positivity and gratitude, we can find an abundance of joy and happiness in our lives. Though I never learned his name, his spirit will inspire me forever.
This experience in Santa Marta taught me the true value of gratitude and the impact of small acts of kindness. It reminded me that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and people. As I continue my journey, I carry with me the lessons of gratitude and resilience, hoping to inspire others as this man inspired me.