Singapore has the reputation of being one of the rudest cities in Asia - I dont agree at all. A place is what you make of it - I also hear the same thing of New York, and having spent alot of time there as well, I dont agree. There are no rude cities, just rude people and since you can only control your own behavior, if you want a city to be *nice* or people to be *nice*, please practice it yourself first.

Why do I say this? Case in point: this morning. I felt awful and sluggish as I left home this morning and as I went down the lift, all I thought was "ugh...I feel fat, today is gross...its too hot...blah blah...this isnt right, etc, etc"...You know the usual negative thought process that goes through our heads most mornings. As soon as I got outside though, I met the nicest man. We have what I call a "waving relationship". I have seen him on and off since I have lived here - since 1997. He started walking on my trail a few years ago and we always wave hello. Recently however, we are not that shy anymore and its become more of a "HELLO". I nearly ran into him this morning, he flashed me the nicest, kindest smile that took me by surprise - so I greeted him with a thumbs up hello.

Perhaps I overstate, but I cannot tell you how much little things like that lift my spirits. It inspires me to do the same for someone else. It makes me want to be nicer. He will never know how much he made my day. I said hello and smiled at everyone this morning, and had one of my happiest runs. Not too bad on the speed either.

This is my long-winded way of saying - please smile at someone today, you might just make their day :-)

8.5 miles 70 minutes (just under 15kms)