I am sick and tired of hearing complaints in these columns that Hong Kongers are rude and uncaring.
May I mention a forgotten/ under-recognised group of individuals with whom maybe not everybody has had the pleasure of interacting? I am talking about Hong Kong's petrol station attendants.
Regardless of location, time of day or weather, my encounters with them, many of whom seem to be our elderly ladies and gentlemen, have never failed to lift my spirits.
Where else can you sit in the comfort of your car while they offer to fill up, clean the windscreen, check the oil and water without obligation and bring your credit-card slip for signing, all with a smile or joke and supreme politeness? More often than not they are bilingual (or at least make the effort) and are not on the lookout for tips.
What's more, they are genuinely happy and caring. I have even had one offer to run inside the garage to fetch a purchase after warning me of the slippery forecourt due to another car leaking oil.
Mobil, Caltex and Shell, my hat's off to you - your companies are obviously doing something right in maintaining such a happy workforce.
