Say a Little Prayer for Me

Singapore has a reputation as a very unyielding city. A $1000 fine if you don’t flush the toilet. Same if you toss a cig butt or spit. The big D penalty for drugs is also one story making the travel rounds. What I saw today was a very yielding Singapore. One where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and who knows how many other beliefs mingle easily. I started in China Town at the Jamae Mosque. Slipped off the sandals and entered unfettered. Very open and uncluttered. Sleek like most Muslin Mosques, the room is open so all the followers can pray together. Half a block down was the amazingly colorful Hindu Temple of Sri Mariamman. About the only thing they have in common are again no shoes. That and the school children in uniform visiting. It is expected here to know something about your fellow countryman’s beliefs. I guess place in a so small and so diverse that is a necessity. It is wonderful! http://www.visitsingapore.com/sections/3a/0,1138,207,00.html

That makes me think about the fellow travel writers I am meeting after my last day of solo travel. There is usually some kind of tension that pops up. My peeve is the person that always shows up late when we meet to visit sites. Drives me crazy. A friend of mine Georgia Turner who owns a travel PR firm once passed on some enlightenment that she heard. If you don’t meet an asshole on a press trip, then it must be you. I better burn some incense and learn tolerance.