Back in India, one of the rare commodity is trust, and trust in strangers in almost extinct. To be fair, trust is not that rare in western and eastern part of India, though it seems almost extinct on the plains of Northern India.
And this is story about trust in Nepal. Specifically, in a place called Malekhu, a small town 71KM west of Kathmandu, on way to Pokhara. It is famous for fish in Nepal and many people from Kathmandu visit this place for local fish of Trishuli river. Previously, local fishes from Trishuli river were available here, but after tasting some fish here, I do not believe that local fishes are available any longer!
While coming back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by car, me and my friend Yam ran out of cash and we had to have lunch at a hotel at Malekhu. We went to an ATM there to withdraw some cash, but the ATM was out of order! We had lunch at the same hotel, named Shravan Hotel on our way to Pokhara some three days ago. So, Yam told me, we will eat at the same hotel on credit! Being in Northern India for last 14 years, I was laughing at the idea but I was hungry and did not show my disbelief.
We went and Yam ordered the remaining whiskey quarter bottle which he could not finish on our previous journey to Pokhara. The same bottle was produced instantly. After finishing the bottle, he informed the hotel owner that we have no money to pay. The owner instantly agreed for the credit and asked us to eat what ever we want!
I ordered a beer for me instantly and also some chicken fried pieces. Finally, me and Yam ended up drinking four bottles of beer and stomach full of Nepali Thali. One of those best lunches I ever had on any road trips!
There were two gentlemen who were sitting on a table next to us and they were trying to pay less than their bill by bargaining with the hotel owner. At that moment, we stood up to leave the hotel and informed the owner. She let us go and just informed the amount of the credit, some NPR 2000.
Then Yam overheard the conversation where those gentleman asked the hotel owner, how come they are allowed to leave without paying for food ?
Yam went back to hotel, asked NPR 100 from hotel owner. She took out a 100 Rupee note and gave to Yam and asked he wanted more. Yam refused and left the hotel.
Those two gentlemen kept looking at us.