Simply Riaz... Simply Myself...

I read this recent news about the scuffle on board Air India flight from New York to Delhi... suprisingly between the cockpit and the cabin crew! I have been a regular traveller on Air India flights but after hearing about this incident, I have second thoughts. Indian tourism industry has been struggling to survive in this competitive world and now this incident worsens the situation. Singapore has been an exemplary example in this case where tourism is at its highest level even with almost no natural resources available for it to explore. Singapore airlines service levels have been rated one of the best in the world. But service levels are very pathetic in almost all Indian airlines. If the problem starts at the very point where people from around the world want to step into India, then there is no point in trying to boost tourism.

I spent last weekend with my wife at Genting highlands in Malaysia. For those who dont know, its about 45 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur city. The climate at Genting is cool and pleasant most of the time. The main attractions are the scenic cable car ride and the theme park. The cable car is almost 3.4 kms long and is the longest in South east Asia. The view from the cable car is also breathtaking. We stayed at the First World Hotel which is a budget traveller's delight. The hotel is also in the same complex as that of the theme park which makes it easily accessible. Speaking about the theme park, its very old and rusted. Maintenance or renovation seems to be a far call. I felt that there is a high risk of accidents if the authorities dont act quickly to replace some of the old equipment. For one ride, we were required to push the cart ourselves by hand to the starting point! And at the snow world, the jackets and gloves provided for visitors to wear have worn out and needs replacement as well. I couldnt imagine such a situation in Singapore where I guess the government would have already cancelled the license of the operators in such conditions. All in all, Genting is one place to have good fun and thrill even with all the negative points.

Taxi drivers in Singapore are definitely an interesting lot. Inspite of being in Singapore for 4 years now, its still very difficult to predict their nature. I have come across drivers who go out all the way to be very generous to those who just scream and complain. Taxi drivers in Singapore fall under the below categories in my opinion:
1. The talkative ones - they are normally polite but keep talking continuously even if we are not interested. They dont mind even if we try to show them that we are busy and dont want to be disturbed. Their talk shows off their experience and knowledge about Singapore.
2. The silent polite ones - these are the guys who just speak a few words at the start and then at the end. Recently met one who did not even utter a single word!
3. The silent rude ones - these guys dont talk much but their very expressions will make you sweat.
4. And finally the rude ones - these guys surely dont know how to be polite. They just find it normal to raise their voice at customers if they are irritated for no reason.

Also, I have been thinking of various reasons on why taxi drivers in Singapore get irritated in the first place:
a. End of shift - they are very tired and exhausted?
b. Short distance trip? I always thought short trip earns you more money in form of minimum payment.. or is there another reason?
c. More than one stop during the course of the journey - I never came to understand why he guys sometimes get irritated when more than one stop is required.

I always try to be polite with the guys, but for the first time 2 weeks ago, I lost my temper and shouted back which is what prompted me to write this item here.