Whilst in Asia I wrote about several random acts of kindness that we encountered. Here in Europe there are just as many people with big hearts and open souls. Yesterday we cycled to La Thuile in Italy and on the way back we stopped close to the top of The Col to take some photos of a gorgeous green lake. We stopped near a small Italian camper van and a couple popped their heads out to offer to take a photo for us. Next the husband offered us a coffee, and then Genepi. Then his wife offered us her home baked chocolate chip muffins. They were absolutely gorgeous! We chatted in a mix of English, French and Italian and learned that their grand daughter they had with them was three years of age and they had a daughter who lived in Florida. What lovely people! We were blown away by their generosity and friendliness!
Another example is when we first arrived here and had some problems with the brakes on our van, our new neighbour, Sylvain, offered to lend his dad’s trolley jack for us to use. Upon returning the jack we invited him in for a drink but he insisted that we join him for a drink and local sausage while he showed us all his favourite trails on his map (which he has lent us). Such a lovely guy.
Also on the mountain bike trails we have had help. John from the Berks on Bikes group came to Pete’s rescue when at the top of La Plagne Pete realised his brake pads were totally worn away. Without hesitation John lent his spare pads and helped to change them over. You are a saviour John.
In return we have helped when someone had a snapped derailleur on her e-bike. Pete split the chain and supplied cable ties to secure it to the frame to get her back to the hire shop. We have also supplied gas to pump up someone’s tube. I guess it is all swings and roundabouts. But what I like is that everyone, no matter what their nationality, stops to check you are ok and if they can help in any way.
It is lovely to be reminded of all the good in people, not all the nasty stuff reported in the media which is only from a tiny proportion of the population. The human race is still made up of a majority of lovely people who would do anything to help you. And we’ve been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of this many times.
