Smiling Salesman

First published on November 28, 2012--Here it is again. I remember this incident like it was yesterday.  Remember his face like I saw him this morning.  And the joy that spread his face when I took this picture still makes me all happy and want to be the nicest person in the world!!  Thank you sir!! We should all smile, we never know how it is helping someone!!

We were headed to Tak Tseng: The Tiger's Nest.  One of the oldest Monasteries in Bhutan.  

It was nearly 3000 ft above the sea level.  From ground to the monastery was about three hour gruesome climb.  As is always the case, there were vendors selling goods at the base.  

I have learnt to identify things that we must spend money on and those that we should leave alone.  This year my goal was to 'not shop'.  Mostly, I have realized, I spend just as much time in looking for gift as in enjoying my break.  This break was meant to take me deep within.  So my goal also was to not buy gifts for anyone, to not talk to many people, just be alone, not email, no phone calls, no connection with the world.  All of it proved difficult, but useful in the long run. But I reduced my email checking considerably, only spoke with 2-3 ultra important people who would not let me alone, during this time. I had left my check-in bag at Singapore and carried only a hand-luggage to Bhutan.  Half of which was filled with paper and books to read.

I did not realize not buying gifts would prove so difficult.  I would look at things, and then come back a dozen time to buy them and at least two times I would return with the good in my hand.  But at least ten times I resisted the urge to buy.  It was a great exercise for someone like me, who spent many hours on looking for gifts. Among other things, this time, a resolution and carrying only my hand luggage proved helpful.

I have also realized that souvenirs often cost more (in time and effort) than what they mean to who you present them to.  So, this year....I knew whatever I bought would either be for other people, or something I could not do without.

There was one such a thing they were selling at the base.

A walking stick.  

I have climbed a few of these 'high up' places, so I know how important a stick is.  As I started looking at them, about three people rushed with their sticks towards me.  The sticks were very nicely shaved and sanded.  Very smooth, and very strong.  

'Buy from me, from me' all three said. Two women and one man. 

I have to admit though that the vendors were not as aggressive as I have seen in other countries.

Then this woman came up to me and said, 'buy from me, the other two are together, I am alone.'

That one line made the decision for me.  This man tried smiling, cajoling, but I leaned toward the woman who had said, 'buy it from me, I am alone.'

The man, with a child-like round face, responded with a pout.  I felt really bad for turning his smiling face to a pout.

'I am sorry, I am sorry' I told him, 'Ok promise I will try and buy something from you when I return.'

But he would not look at me.  My last image of him, before I headed towards the monastery was that of a face that was 'sad, forlorn, disappointmented.'

I felt bad, but needed only one stick.  And I had to be ruthless to stick to my 'no frivolous buying policy.'

I met some of the most interesting people on my first hike up to Tak Tseng (I went twice).  I will write about those people in another post.  

On my return, I saw him sitting with his goods.  The moment he saw me, he tried not smiling, but ah a pure heart-- how could a pure heart not smile?

'See I told you, I will buy something from you, but not until you smile for me.'

'Yes, yes, smile for me, a bigger one...'  

He gave me an ear to ear smile....and that is when my camera went, 'Click'.