14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Tibetan children at a traditional Tibetan performance

Even though we had limited communication, the boys would continuously give us food and at one point, the older brother reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring and proceeded to give it to me. I felt so touched by his gesture. I would play with the younger boy and I would tell him to smile for a picture. He was much more shy and every time I’d tell him “笑一笑!” (smile!), he’d hide behind his brother, but would give me the biggest smile afterwards. I wanted to give them both something, but because I didn’t have much to give, I gave them each a US dollar since that was all that I had. The adults around us were equally fascinated as the boys were, and when I gave them the dollars they were so happy.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2016
Photo Location: Xigaze/Tibet, China
Camera: NIKON D5300
Copyright: © Christa Hoskins