Neighbours

I visited a neighbouring city over the weekend. This would be my second time in 3 years. But I was somewhat determined that this time I would pay more attention to details and sights. The city had a rather cosy, comfortable ambience surrounding it. What I loved most was the architectural diversity of the houses and the shop buildings. Most of the shops or restaurants were placed in well-preserved old colonial buildings, and this made them appear classic as well as cosy. I was mesmerized. For a second I thought this would be a cool place to live in.

Then, I met the locals. I've heard many stories about them from various sources, but it never really hit me as the absolute truth. I seldom encountered warmth or friendliness in most of them, except for a selected few who I assume were exceptions to the norm, perhaps born on another planet or had intergalactic chromosomes. I was shocked. All the beauty of architecture and sophistication of the city melted away with the hostility of its inhabitants. I immediately wanted to go home, where even the newspaper vendors would gladly and patiently show a tourist the way to anywhere when asked. And with a smile, mind you. It is true what people say, that no matter how modern or beautiful a city is, the real beauty comes from the people who live in it. I guess the citizens of this city has become as concrete-hearted as the concrete jungle that surrounds them.

The grass is always greener on the other side...if you're colour blind.