I knew I had to

Was enjoying a late brunch in Raja Uda, when all of a sudden, this young man stepped in with a huge assortment of woven baskets ( there were so many on both sides of his hands ) as well as a large plastic bagful of thai "minyak angin".
Big laundry baskets, medium sized ones that are good for keeping nappies etc,  small picnic baskets , handbags that were smaller even.

The pile he lugged in was something you couldn't ignore since you'll probably be muttering " What in the world ? "the moment you spot him. 

Baskets made from coloured packing tape.Very creative. Not to mention hard to weave. Yep, my purchase down there.

He had a look of hope in his face ,as he eagerly unloaded and displayed his wares to any table that showed a bit of interest  . Can't fault him for trying.

But that kind of look, is something I used to be familiar with and so although I did not need it, I chose to get this from him. Bear in mind that this is available everywhere , where there are Thai fairs. 

Price agreed upon * of course I bargained *, money paid, I proceeded to ask him as he gets me my change.

" Where are you from ? "

He replied 

" Songkhla "

Curious I went on

" How's business there ? Very quiet ? "

This time he only nodded, kept his head down and didn't want to reply.

His sadness was evident. No, I didn't want to push him further. Leave it at that.
Not wearing a Buddhist amulet, which tells what faith he belongs to. Tough trying to find a living this way. Feeling his pain.

 

He thanks me twice , flashes me a smile and moves on to other tables . I leave too, with the hope that I have possibly helped in some way or another. That's a noble lesson I learned from others , who have helped me ( complete strangers from different races ) during times when I needed it most.