Travel diaries from my father to his son. — Part 1 of 3

A watchful eye.

In the early 70s and 80s my Grand Uncle in his travels to Europe came in contact with a German named Mekhail. Mekhail was described as a big made curly haired gentleman, attired mostly in grey or beige shorts, thin chain and a flimsy shirt.

My Grand Uncle was very fond of my father, and would relate these stories which I found very interesting to listen and document.

Over time Mekhail and my Grand Uncle would become good pals, and the German would make reservations at Ceylon Intercontinental during his visits to the island but spend most of his day time with my Grand Uncles family residence in Nawala, only to retire to the hotel late into the night.

Mekhail was at that time a Regional Manager for the brand AGFA and while traveling across Spain found himself at a restaurant ordering food and made short conversation with the assistant manager of the establishment. And while exchanging travel stories with the manager had order many side dishes, only to realize very late into the evening he had very little money on his to settle the days expenses. (This was a time where credit cards had just entered the market and all payments were made by cash)

Mekhail had kindly asked the manager if he can return to his hotel, make arrangements to collect some money and return the next day to settle the amounts due. To his amazement, the manager had agreed straight away and wishes him well on his travel back to the hotel.

After returning back to the restaurant the following morning, out of curiosity had asked from the manger ‘what made you to believe me? I could have not returned, and the outstanding would have come out of your pay check!’

‘Well..’ explained the manager, ‘one is the shirt you wore last evening. It is an expensive brand of clothing only sold at that exclusive store. The other is the wrist watch on your hand. In my experience, a gentleman who can afford to wear that particular model of hand made Swiss wrist watch, I went on to believe you were telling the truth.

Mekhail was amazed to experience the level of analysis understood by the manager and commended him for his sincerity and trust in his abilities.

My dad went on to say, THIS IS HOW THE WORLD WORKS. On the one hand most people out there are selfish in their ways, always trying to benefit from any situation they get. And on the other hand, a selected few who are sharp and intelligent, they have to throw in an element of risk understanding that the customer is genuine, and winning over Mekhails loyalty over a life time.