Like many New Yorkers, if I see a tourist looking confused or pouring over a map I ask if they need any assistance. Much less often do they come over to me.

I was in a non-touristy part of Brooklyn for an appointment yesterday. While locking up my bicycle a young man approached me with a backpack, holding a GoPro camera and phone in one hand. He asked if there was a hostel nearby. I did not know the area and suggested he find something using his phone. No wifi was his response. Where are you coming from? Korea. No, I mean today. Korea, I just arrived.

How he ended up on that corner I did not ask, but a subway station, just there, may have been the reason why. I didn’t wish to be late for my appointment but after all the kindness shown me in the past I also did not wish to leave him there. I asked him to come with me. He did not hesitate. Finding the office, for the first time, together we settled in. I briefly explained the situation to the receptionist. His appearance and gentle demeanor raised no concerns.

I used my phone to see what was near, but the choices were few and the reviews poor. I then found a hostel in Manhattan I knew quite well. He was pleased. I called. They just had a cancellation and could accommodate him, as he had hoped for three nights. With a confirmation number, address, and directions, he thanked me several times and was on his way.