When we didn’t buy anything, the driver announced, “I took many pictures. You tip 200, 300 or 400 Bat.”
I was a little angry at his forwardness and the tip speech so I decided to give a small amount. As I handed him 40 Bat, he made a disgusted face.
Should I have given him more? Was he paid so little that he needed tips? Or was he trying to overcharge us- the tourists?
After our ride, we visited the mummified monk. Outside his burial temple, there was placed a metal shield. Rubbing the round center with your hand produced a lovely humming sound. Several tourists tried, but couldn’t make any noises. I went up and was unable to do it as well.
As I stood by the shield, a little Thai boy appeared next to me. He took my hand and washed it in a water basin, cleaning each finger and then covered my palm with a gritty soap. He showed me how much pressure I needed to use rubbing the metal. I was so happy when I got the shield to sing for me.
Without a word, the child ran away to play. He didn’t ask me for anything. His job was done.
This was the person I wanted to give to the most. I dug around in my pockets for some change. I waved him over. He gave me a confused look as he approached. What did I want?
I bowed and put the change in his hand. His face beamed like I had given him the biggest treasure in the world.
That was when I knew that I had tipped the right person.