Forrest Mallard - March 14, 2021
Something happened to me when I was leaving Bucharest way back in May of 2016. The feeling of good karma that day has resonated in my mind longer than many more-significant events.
I had paid for a 10-trip subway card when I first arrived in the city.. but I only used 7 trips while I was there. – On the way out of the subway on my way out of town.. I thought to myself ‘I’m going to make someone happy and maybe get some good travel karma is I give someone some free rides.. and I hope I give it to the person who needs it most.”
I offered the card to several people as I was walking through the station.. but they all ignored me and looked away like I was trying to sell them something… but then I saw a girl outside of the station, standing at the turnstile, just looking into the station. I handed her the pass.. and at first she just looked at me, then I waved it in her direction for her to take it. – As she took it from me she had tears coming out of her eyes.. and of course I get embarrassed and I just say “ENJOY!” and run away thinking that was the end of the story.
I was taking the subway to the Bucharest North train station.. and it turns out that I got off at the wrong station.. so I had to go back to the same subway station and get back on the subway… but I had just given away my subway card.
I went to the ticket booth and asked for ONE ticket.. and the lady said they couldn’t sell me a single ticket and I would have to buy two. I said OK.. whatever I needed to do.
Then she said to me in a very serious tone “I saw you give your pass to that girl…”
I could only reply.. “Yeah.. I thought I was done with it.. but I guess not.”
She said something to the men in the booth with her.. and one of them pulled out a wallet and took out money.. I guess to buy my ticket for me. But then the lady pushes the money aside and opens her booth and takes me and walks me through the gate.
I know I have gotten a bit off track in the past.. but over the last 5 years I feel like I am slowly getting back on the path I should have been living on. It is good travel karma experiences like this one that really make me feel I am exactly where I am supposed to be now.
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Hi! I'm Forrest Mallard
In 2005, I moved to Quito, Ecuador with $35 in my pocket and a small handful of online clients. Fifteen years and five continents later, there were moments of absolute glamour, as well as a number of brutal rough patches. But I always felt that a horrible day of travel is infinitely more preferable than a great day at the office. Oh the stories I could tell, and I will try to do that here in Tramposaurus Treks. You'll have access to the good times, the horrifying times, and a few well-deserved moments of travel glamour.
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