(394)An Unexpected Encounter in Holland through Thai Cuisine
As we journey through life, travelling from city to city and visiting one attraction after another, our conversations with close friends about travel experiences often become a lively exchange of famous landmarks and historical sites. Take the Netherlands, for instance, which I had just visited. Everyone would eagerly agree: “Of course! The Netherlands is all about windmills, cheese and Van Gogh!” But when it comes to my own experience, I find myself murmuring: “The most beautiful scenery on any journey is, after all, the people we meet!”
What a delightful surprise it is to encounter familiar souls in a foreign land! There is an indescribable, almost dreamlike feeling about such unexpected encounters. Perhaps this is what we call fate or destiny — something that often leaves us utterly enchanted.
Indeed, during this short stay in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, I unexpectedly made a new friend. The entire encounter was both amusing and delightful. Hmm… I often have this peculiar feeling that an invisible hand is gently guiding me, leading me along certain paths and bringing particular people into my life, before weaving all these encounters into the wonderful chapters that follow. Looking back, all I can say is: truly magical!
Now, as we all know, Europe is relatively expensive, and dining out can take quite a bite out of the budget. Since our exhibition tours often keep us travelling for more than a month at a time, we really have to watch our spending wherever possible. Charles came across a reasonably priced, authentic Thai restaurant through an online search. He smiled and asked, “The reviews are pretty good, but it’s rather out of the way and looks more like a roadside food stall. You know, the kind with tables and chairs set up along the street. Would you mind?”
“Of course not!” I replied cheerfully. “Taking the metro and changing to a bus is no problem at all. Eating by the roadside sounds quite an experience. Let's go!” And so, one evening, with light and eager steps, the two of us made our way to this little outdoor Thai eatery, tucked inside a little green corrugated-metal shelter. The little restaurant opened only at 6 p.m., and we arrived at around 5:50. The Thai owner was already rushing about, setting up tables and chairs. I instinctively stepped forward to give him a hand.
“Oh, how can I possibly let a customer help me?” he said shyly in English. With a smile, he then proceeded to take our order. Wow! In less than fifteen minutes, every table was occupied. Clearly, this little eatery had earned its excellent reputation. The entire place was run by just a husband-and-wife team. The owner welcomed guests, took orders and handled payments, while his wife worked as the chef. Apart from the nearly ten tables of diners right before our eyes, they also had a constant stream of takeaway orders to deal with.
Although we had arrived first, our long-awaited two dishes and a soup seemed to take forever. Watching the couple work almost frantically, Charles and I, along with all the other diners, could only patiently wait our turn. Suddenly, two Thai women walked into the little green shelter. “Sawat-dii kha!” — a cheerful Thai greeting meaning “Hello!” — caught my ear. I assumed they must be relatives or friends of the owner. Yet, carrying large bags filled with travel souvenirs, they looked very much like tourists themselves.
With no seats available, the two women squeezed into the space near us. We exchanged friendly nods and smiles, then resumed our patient wait. Eventually, some Thai words rang out from the kitchen. One of the women promptly stepped inside and came out carrying our steaming-hot dishes. As she served us, she gave me the warmest smile. Somehow, without even realizing it, I found myself remembering that smile so vividly.
At long last, our food had arrived! By then, we were absolutely famished. Charles and I devoured our two dishes and soup in record time. We barely exchanged a single word throughout the meal — that's just how hungry we were! With customers constantly coming in, we quickly vacated our seats as soon as we had finished. Before leaving, we hurriedly waved goodbye and thanked the two Thai ladies.
On our way back, Charles remarked, “The Thai food was certainly authentic and delicious, although the wait was a little…” I quickly interrupted him. “Never mind! We were actually quite lucky! We had a lovely Thai lady serving us, and her smile was enough to soothe my rumbling stomach. I really liked the warmth and friendliness of this family. For a moment, I almost felt as though we were right back in Bangkok! What a lovely feeling! I'd love to come here again if we get the chance.”
Little did I know that this very thought, seemingly so casual and fleeting, would set in motion an even more wonderful encounter — a beautiful connection yet to unfold.
(To be continued…)
