Jessica and I walked back up to the plaza from the public bathroom back to the rest of our group. "I am Jala" (pronounced Yala) said the unfamiliar face right before she took me into her arms in a huge hug. Ashley's expression behind the stranger told me that she too had recently been on the receiving end of a similar hug. I replied with my name and the fact that it was nice to meet her. In response, I got a huge grin and confused nod.
Jala doesn't speak English. Well, not much anyway. We spent the evening walking around Berlin, Jessica, Ashley, Taylor, Oliver, our bilingual friend and guide for the weekend, Oliver's girlfriend, Jala, and myself. Later, the four of us traveling discussed how the whole situation was slightly awkward, but more about how pleasantly surprised we were by Jala's instant friendliness despite obvious barriers.
It made me think about first impressions as well as missed opportunities. When I think of the huge number of people that I encounter everyday, I realize that I'm really good at completely passing by tons of chances to get to know people. I hope that one day, I will have achieved the passion that Jala evoked towards meeting us.
I received at least two more Jala hugs during our weekend in Berlin and I will probably never see her again. It just goes to show you that it doesn't take a lot to leave a good impression. And if that's so obvious, then why is it so hard to really try and make an impact on someone?
So...who wants a hug?
