People of all ages gave up their seats for me in crowded buses and trains;

A helpful man led me to the correct bus stop in Chinatown;

Another man wrote down the numbers of all the buses going to the National Library;

Youngsters made sure I got off the bus at the nearest stop (the National Library is not yet shown on all tourist maps);

Coming 'home' to my friend's flat in the dark, people made sure I reached the right place safely;

A kind-hearted waitress at the museum brought me a glass of water when she saw I had tablets to take;

Guides at the Singapore Biennale showed us around and took us behind the scenes to see the 'snow';

A lovely, laughing granny helped me choose two blouses in a department store - she bought six herself, they were such good value;

A family gave me a part to play at the wedding of a friend's daughter, a great honour;

Being called and treated as 'honoured guests' when I visited the Newater plant with two Singaporean friends;

Guards at the Istana apologised for the gardens being closed on a national holiday. They promised to convey my good wishes to the President - I am sure they did so;

Security men at Parliament House conducted their searches with efficiency and good humour.

I could list many more kind acts shown during my six-week visit, but these are the ones I remember.

I will end by thanking everyone in your lovely country for all their caring kindness to a stranger.

I wish you all a Happy New Year. May Singapore and its lovely people flourish.

Janet Appleyard Hobbs (Mrs)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 26, 2009.

Is this article useful to you?