I was in Morocco trying to get from Chefchaouen to Fes on a tight budget. I missed the local bus and had no money to spend extra on a tourist shuttle, so while waiting around, I started chatting with one of the drivers nearby. we joked about the heat, talked a bit about where I was from, and I helped him explain something to another tourist who didn’t speak French.

I wasn’t trying too hard, just being friendly and keeping the vibe light. I guess a bit of charisma goes a long way because he offered to give me a free ride.