The Moley Prophet

One of the few things I like about Buffalo, among the many dislikes I have for America, is the courtesy built into people. What's with the National Courtesy Campaign (now known as the Singapore Kindness Movement) but service people giving that "hey you killed my ******!" look. And how courteous it is for one of the world's richest government to continuously increase taxes? Maybe it's one of the reasons why people are like that.

In just about a month, I would be returning to a place I have always called home. But, I don't really feel the welcoming atmosphere there. I dread going out of my house because these people have a murderous look on their faces. Try going out to the supermarket and say "Hi!" when you see a staff member. Try that on the bus, in the cab, at the box office, on the streets, anywhere at all, to people whom you have not met before, I think they would think you're crazy or out to flirt with them. This is so not the case! Why can't people say "Hi!" to each other?

"Why can't" definitely doesn't apple here in Buffalo. Even the world's worst employer has one of the finest employees. They may be unhappy with their jobs, but they definitely do not show it to the customers. They greet every customer just like he's a regular patron, like a person they know. "How ya doin'?" is what you would expect to hear if you walk past a member of the staff who is just slogging away at 2AM in the morning trying to get the goods in place. Need help? They would gladly help you with it.

Once, I was out in the middle of the night at WalMart with a friend. We happened to chance upon this miniature engine model, and one of these guys unpacking some stuff started talking to us and offered some ideas. And the waiters and waitresses are just so friendly, I don't mind the tipping. Besides, tipping isn't such a big issue anyway. Everyone views tipping as a necessity here, when eating out at a restaurant, cafe, or getting a delivery, but they do not force it upon customers, and customers are willing to tip, unlike in Singapore, where you pay service charge, and then to be nice, you tip as well.

So, welcome to the world where our cultures clash and I love it.