Couple stranded in Ukraine saved by Dubai stranger
DUBAI - A couple stuck without money or credit cards at a foreign airport never thought that a stranger would come to their rescue.
Abu Dhabi residents Sarah Chant, 32, and Nathan Chant, 39, were just starting their Ukraine trip to visit the Chernobyl site but at the country's immigration hall, they realised that the sole wallet that contained all their money to pay for their visa got left behind in the pocket of the airline seat during the flight to Ukraine.
"Initially we weren't too worried as we presumed they'd be able to get it back to us but as time went on it became apparent that it was less and less likely so we became much more worried," Sarah told Expatmedia.net.
The lifestyle bloggers of
exploringkiwis.com said they tried to get back on the plane but were not allowed. Authorities asked them to head to the lost and found counter instead.
The lost and found counter, however, is only accessible to passengers who are able to pass through immigration checks and since they had no money to pay for their visa, they were stuck.
Thankfully, an Emirati man from Dubai whom they met in the immigration hall offered to help.
The retired Emirati businessman, Ebrahim, loaned the couple $200 and another $50 for food and transportation. He did not bother to get their details, the couple said.
"We couldn't believe that a stranger could be so generous and trusting of us," Sarah said. The couple met Ebrahim again on the flight back to the UAE and was able to get his details to repay him.
Because of Ebrahim's help, the couple was able to continue their holiday. "We really enjoyed the rest of our trip. Though it would have been nice to have had more money, we felt incredibly fortunate to have just made it through in the first place," she said.
What did they learn from the experience?
"We've been reminded that the world is a great place and regardless of where you are, there are people who are willing to help," Sarah said.
The couple is now in New Zealand and will be headed to South America next.
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