Five In One.

On New Year's Eve I drove into Novena taxi stand and there were lots of commuters anxiously waiting for taxis, I guess it was much easier taking a train to Novena to enhance their chances of catching a cab after celebrating the 2012 Count Down at Marina Bay.

As soon as I stopped, five teenage girls quickly slipped into my cab. I turned to them and said "Hello, I'm so sorry, but I can only fetch four of you". They looked bewildered and surprised but did not say a word. I repeated and added "You did not even ask me if I could allow five of you to board, its against the law you know", to which one of them softly pleaded, "Uncle, please, we are just going nearby to Balestier Road hotel, please". All of them appeared resigned and tired and they looked so young, I just could not say no to them although its against the rules and regulations, anyway, its so nearby and I obliged.

I found out that they were young Indonesian students, three of them studying here and the other two were visitors. They alighted near Value Hotel just off Thomson Road which is about two bus stops away. The one sitting next to me, smiled and paid me $5.00 (metered fare was $4.20), "Uncle, keep the change", and as they alighted, one by one thanked and wished me Happy New Year loud and clear. I wished them the same in return and felt happy about it.