18/08/2026
A gentle nudge toward great compassion.
Earlier this year I was working support crew for a cycling tour climbing up mountains. Most of the group were retirees, with one exception - a younger Italian guy, hard to read at first, but clearly a beautiful soul.
By the later days everyone was running on empty. Mornings before setting off, nobody really wanted to move. The climbs were brutal - it genuinely felt like a survival movie up there.
One night, after dinner, I was sitting outside having a smoke to unwind. The Italian guy came and sat with me. Once he found out I currently live at a temple, he started talking about how much he admired the Buddha's compassion - said he wished he could be like that, but something in him felt stuck. He kept reaching for the English words and couldn't quite get there.
I told him it sounded like his heart wanted to give, but something was in the way. I knew right then I wanted to tell him about "Cāga" - generosity, giving without attachment.
What surprised me was how closely he was listening. I only got out one sentence - "you be happy before you give" - and his whole face changed. Eyes wide open, like something clicked.
Before I could say anything else, he jumped up, said thank you, shook my hand, and walked off.
The next morning, something was different. This same guy was up early, going around helping everyone get ready - checking who had water, whose bike needed adjusting, making sure everyone was set.
I was busy with checkout logistics, looked up, and just stared at him, a bit stunned.
He caught my eye and gave me a wink.
That was it. Nothing more needed saying.
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Moments like that are why I keep doing this work - not the routes, but what happens between people along the way.
I'll be in Bangkok Aug 20-21 this time, guiding small groups or families by bike. If you're around, happy to have you along.
Book through Go Bangkok Tours:
📞 +66 84 335 4078
🌐 gobangkoktours.com
(ask for guide Tommy Chin / Ake)
