Had an interesting conversation with a taxi driver. When he started speaking, I thought here it goes, yet another diatribe against the Singapore government. My chances of resting in the cab is nil……

But to my pleasant surprise, his was a totally different conversation, after knowing where I was from, he proceed to talk about his experiences. He was all over the world as a seaman but finally take root in his motherland Singapore. The discussions went to his most recent trip to New Zealand. He told me that despite visiting the rural areas, New Zealanders still heard of Singapore. When he was there he missed a lodging and as time was late, he proceed with knocking on the door of a farm, asking the farmer if he can have lodging at their place for a fee. The farmer invited him in with open arms and gave him a sumptuous treat putting in front of him whatever they had and refused to accept a single cent. They were so nice and homely towards the taxi driver that he invited them to Singapore. The farmer came with his wife six months later and the taxi driver took days off to bring the couple all over Singapore. I guess Singapore Tourism Promotion Board would be proud that the couple was out of their own country only the very first time and they left with a glowing view of the hospitality of Singaporeans, thanks to this taxi driver.

He further told me that every year, he will take a month off to backpack to one of the destinations he had not been. He is proud to be a Singaporean and made a lot of friends all over the world. Glad to hear this for a change. But for 99% of the taxis I had taken, they simply bad mouth Singapore, I wonder what tourists think when they take such taxis. I mean there is freedom of speech but instead of just being unsatisfied, why not work within the society and bring about change rather than bad mouthing your own country to every tourist that are available?

When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home.
- Winston Churchill

I agree with Churchill on this. I myself being a frequent critic. We can quarrel or whatever within the country. Outside of the country, protect our country and its reputation!

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