It's amazing how something so small can translate into a memory for someone, especially while traveling. While in San Cristobal, headed up to a coffee shop that I randomly found on google maps to find some breakfast and get a little bit of work done. While I waited for my breakfast to be finished, I stepped outside to sit on the bench in front of the shop and smoke a cigarette (yes I know they are bad). There was an older man on the bench, and I said good morning and introduced myself, and he told me his name was Manuel, and that he'd lived in San Cristobal for over forty years.

Now, while I have met a lot of locals, there is something even better about meeting an older local. They often have a lot more knowledge to share, are more open with tourists, and in general usually strike up some great conversations. While my Spanish during the conversation was iffy, Manuel was patient with me, helping me with words I didn't know. He taught me about the history of San Cristobal, and showed me some cool hidden spots for me to take advantage of with my cameras. Eventually, the server told me my food was ready, and I stepped back inside after telling Manuel "mucho gusto" (nice to meet you). I sat down and ate now feeling very fufilled not only in my stomach, but happy to start the day with a real genuine interaction in a foreign city.

However, as any smoker knows it is very easy to lose your lighter, and being the klutz that I am I had lost many during the trip, and at the time at the coffee shop I had two lighters with me. During my meal, I had checked my pockets and realized I had lost one, but didn't really care considering I had an extra one as well. So when I walked outside, it was my surprise to find Manuel sitting on the same bench (he had gone inside with me earlier), holding my other lighter. I laughed, and asked him if he wanted a cigarette to use with the lighter, and that he could keep it because I had two. Manuel grinned and told me he didn't smoke, but that he wished to keep the lighter as a memory of the conversation we had.

Manuel kept the lighter, and I went my separate ways, thinking to myself how amazing it was that something as simple as a lighter could be a placeholder for such a human moment. I was also grateful, as it signified that Manuel also viewed the interaction as positively as I did, and gave me more validation in putting myself out there with locals, even with the language barrier. These interactions are a major reason why I not only love to travel, but to interact with people as you never know who you may be able to connect with, or make an impact on even in a short time period. I implore readers of this to strike up a conversation with a random person once a day, and know that for every bad interaction, there is a good one in store for the future.