CNN iReport

in 1989, my father and I went to Greece to find our roots and visit family we had never met. In the middle of the trip, we decided to add a side trip to Cairo. The disaster began when we arrived at the hotel where I had chosen for us to stay - it was a mess. Broken down, dirty, bathroom shared by all on each floor and no showers. It was disgusting to say the least. We managed to make it through the first night, and headed out to find new accommodations the next day. We found a wonderful hotel called the Alexander. We immediately changed hotels, and that is when the disaster turned around. I stuck up a conversation with the hotel manager, Nutan. She was a warm and friendly native who offered to show us around old Cairo the next day. We figured that this would be a great way to see the old city from a local's point of view, so we accepted her generous offer. The next morning, the three of us met up in the lobby. She hailed a cab - not an easy feat in Cairo - we got in, and off we went. For the next 6 hours, we explored one of the cities oldest and exotic districts. She took us to shops owned by her friends and family - all of whom treated us like family. She treated us not only to lunch, but she also paid for the cabs. At the end of what I can only describe an one of the most adventurous and exciting days of my life, I thanked her, and offered to reimburse her for the cabs and lunch. She politely refused. I asked her why she had been so kind to us since we had literally just met. Her reply rocked my world. When she was a little girl about 11 years old, her family sent her to the U.S. to visit relatives who were living there. Shortly into her visit she had a huge fight with her aunt, who abruptly tossed her out of the house. She didn't know anyone, she had no money and didn't know where to turn. She was walking down the street crying when a woman stopped and asked her what was the matter. When she explained, the woman offered to help. She managed to locate another relative living in another state. After speaking with them on the phone, the woman paid for an airplane ticket for Nutan to go there. The woman never asked for anything in return. 'Today, I have repaid that debt to her by taking you and your father out to see this great city.' To this very day, I think of Nutan and the wonderful adventure she provide to my father and I. I hope that during my life I have been able to repay my debt to her through deeds to others.