I had a similar interaction in South Korea minus the water buffalo lol.

One early morning admittedly after a night of drinking I was standing on the sidewalk and a young buy peddled up to me on his tricycle. I gave him a smile not expecting much in return until he said, "Good morning!". I was a bit caught of guard at first and then proceeded to have a quick conversation with him before his father told him it was time to get going. The English language is taught to the much of the youth in other countries.