If queuing
were an Olympic sport then the Singaporeans would be Gold medalists. They would
score maximum points for determination and for endurance. They practice
perseverance with patience. Sundays are the worst as it is everyone's days off.
Lingering and queuing in crushing crowds is a national past time.
It is madness
and mayhem.
There is great
order in the Singaporean queue. It is magnificent in its discipline and its
control. It oozes Forbearance.
There is
complete composure.
There are no
ants in the pants for those in these concatenations.
I believe that
this passion for queuing is born from the Singaporean desire to hunt for a
bargain. No matter the cost. The duration of the wait is of no consequence. I
have - with great admiration - witnessed lines of dozens of people impassively
waiting for up to an hour to receive a free biscuit. Offered with any purchase
of a grande latte.
Or a
cappuccino.
I have
observed with astonishment, and great approbation - a long snaking queue of
people line up to receive the gift of a pencil, with any spend of more than ten
dollars. I have beheld the visible delectation of Singaporeans basking in the
glory of receiving an upsize of their fries after cashing in a coupon that has
been carefully cut from the morning newspaper.
In Singapore
there would appear to be no finer a fare than a gratuitous feast. There is no
greater a gift than a complimentary token.
No
matter how long the wait.
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