Jan Luca & Teresa

I found myself spending so many hours up in the air making my way to Milan. By the time I arrived I was so tired forgetting the day it was and how to best get to my hotel. There weren't any taxis close by and so I started to ask for directions and before I knew it my luggage was taken by someone who came from behind me and informed me my hotel was close. Finally I arrived greeted by the staff at Hilton Milan and I realized I was on the other side of te world. I knew that I had to rest as I had to be up at 5am to catch a cab tote Milan bus depot to make my way to Courmayeur in time for the opening of the conference I was speaking at. Can you imagine my surprise when I checked out to be told that my ticket for Courmateur was for a day prior. I had not checked te date on my ticket believing all was fine. The taxi arrived and it was still dark and all I could think of is what am I going to do with no ticket showing the correct date. Arriving at bus depot I asked the taxi driver where do I go. He pointed his finger and rushed to take my luggage out of his car. I was alone, without a valid ticket, dark and not speaking Italian. With my luggage I made my way into the depot where the lights were on. This is where I approached Jan Luca - he quickly came out of his area to show me where the bus was to arrive. He had little English but kept staying with me which I found comforting. I knew I had to catch a bus in 25 mins yet I couldn't get my ticket upgraded as te office was closed. Still Jan Luca reassured me all will be fine. I started to feel more relaxed and a woman walked past tat knew Jan Luca and she was introduced to me. Her name was Teresa and before I knew it the 3 of us were enjoying an Italian coffee - Teresa looked after my luggage while I was escorted to the little cafe close by. I was touched by the dedication of these two souls who tried so hard to communicate with me and went out of their way to make sure I make my way to the right bus ensuring I make my way to Courmayeur. I was amazed at Jan Luca who liaised with the ticket office staff trying to explain that I already had a ticket from Australia...had it not been for the support of Jan Luca and Teresa I would not have had such a positive outcome in a foreign country. It made me think, how do we all behave when we see someone needing help? Do we go out of our way or do we turn a blind eye? If Jan Luca & Teresa were not so generous with their time I wouldnt have the fond travel memories I do sitting here writing from Courmayeur. I sincerely thank my 2 angels who supported me on Friday morning on my travels and i am inspired to ask everyone to make a commitment to help a stranger as you never know when you may be in a place that is foreign and need the help of an angel. Sincere thanks to my two new friends for finding it in their heart to speak to a stranger. While on the bus I kept thinking about my experience and I was so grateful that I was reminded about the human spirit. We need to become like Jan Luca & Teresa and embrace a stranger - maybe the world is really smaller than we think - one people, one heart, one way!