You never know...

One day in Bhutan, we found ourselves winding up a remote mountain road—majestic views, crisp air, and then… bam. Snow. Not the soft, storybook kind—this was a full-blown, surprise-blizzard-style snowstorm.

Our driver glanced nervously at the road ahead and made the executive decision to pull over at a small roadside restaurant, explaining in his calm Bhutanese way that continuing would be “unwise.” Translation: definitely not happening.

Inside, it was warm and buzzing—stranded locals, curious travelers, and the low hum of shared fate.I grabbed a seat and began preparing myself mentally (and emotionally) for what felt like an impending group sleepover with strangers.

Then the door opened—and in she came.

A young Bhutanese woman stepped inside—beautiful, elegant… and clearly freezing. She wore little more than a smile and a paper-thin layer of fabric, entirely unsuited for a snowstorm.

Meanwhile, I sat there in my thick, smugly warm coat—with another one still packed in my luggage. It wasn’t a hard decision.

I walked over, gently offered her my coat, and told her she could keep it. No strings—just warmth.She looked stunned. Grateful. A little speechless, like kindness had caught her off guard.

A while later, as we sat around waiting for the roads to clear, she approached me again—this time with warmth in her eyes and a surprising offer. She thanked me once more, then said she’d love to return the gesture… by arranging a meeting with: “my King.” Apparently, she was the secretary to the King of Bhutan. I had just given my coat to the royal secretary.

Let’s just say that wasn’t on my travel itinerary.

I thanked her—touched, but also wildly unprepared for tea with royalty. I never did meet the King, but her generous offer stayed with me long after the snow melted and the roads reopened.

Because, really—you never know. One minute you’re stuck on a snowy mountain, the next you’re giving your coat to the King’s secretary. Life is full of surprises. You never know…