We met Sothep (pronounced Sutep) outside of the Gelato store by a street that I cannot name. He looked young and happy, with bright eyes and an impressive English proficiency. He offered us a ride on his Tuk Tuk. We asked him if he could take us to see something important in the city of Siem Reap. He gently took a map out and a big brochure that showed all the entertainment any tourist could wish for. We told him that we had already booked some events through our hotel, so he offered to take us to see a Pagoda next to the King’s palace. As we drove on his “Rolls Royce” Tuk Tuk I observed how poor and underdeveloped Cambodia was. After being raised in a third world country, and now living in Vietnam, I thought I had seen plenty of poverty; but had not yet seen the poverty in every corner (almost), as it was here in Cambodia, a country where war after war, its people continue to keep a kind look and gentle smile on their face.
In my brief conversations with Sothep I learned that he has a child almost Gaia’s age. I learned enough about his wonderful, humble life. He used to be a waiter in an upscale hotel where he made $80 dollars a month. Then he discovered the prosperous business of Tuk Tuk, the easy, cheap, and exotic transportation for tourists.
He got a loan from the bank and rented the carriage that attaches to his motorbike. He saved for more than five years until he was able to buy his own. He named his Tuk Tuk “The Rolls Royce”. He did not have it decorated in a tacky, flashy way, instead it was black with a touch of sophistication, without any local advertisement like the rest I’ve seen. It was just like a Rolls Royce would be in a Tuk Tuk version. Sothep is from the country, but lives in the city for his job. He rents a room for $40 a month, where his wife stays to raise his son. Sothep is a candid soul. He was fair enough to explain to us that when we book excursions through him, he gets a commission. He was also honest enough to tell us that the very local street food which all tourists want to try is cheap because the vegetables and other food is not the best quality. He suggested some places with great food, service and very well priced. He would always made sure that $5 a plate was not too much for us to pay. From that day on, Sothep became “our guy”. We got his number and would call him anytime we needed him.
Southep reminds me that there are kind souls walking this planet, even though the media, and the mundane, and sad events caused by disconnected people make me feel otherwise. Now I understand that “The Happiness Tuk Tuk” is not just a [cute] way to name his vehicle, I think it reflects who he is. He is full of happiness in his humble life. He has it all.
