A burly African slumped into the back seat with a thump. He gave
me a much welcomed smile that eased the intimidation of this TD
somewhat. "Hello, where to sir?", I inquired. "Yim Kah Hotel,
please." He grunted with a baritone that match his size. I paused
as the taxi cruised out of the airport T2 to join the ECP.
"Err..... what hotel, sir?", I sought confirmation as
mispronunciation is common with foreigners. "Yim Kah Hotel" came
the swift reply. The words were as clear as the first time. I don't
know this hotel. All my 12 years of taxi driving provided no clues.
I thought hard. It must be a budget hotel. "Mmm.... have you been
there before, sir?". I asked. "No, this is my first visit. My boss
booked it and he said its a good place", he replied as he devoured
his first glimpses of the city. "Do you have the address?", I
probed sheepishly. "Orchard Road." We passed the budget terminal
and instinctly, I swerved to PIE exit. Now, I could swear I know
every hotel in Orchard Rd, big or small. I'd roamed there since
boyhood and could rattle off names of defunct places like Ban Chuan
coffee house, Tivoli, Fitzpatrick supermart, Glutton's square etc.
But Yim Kah Hotel?!?!? I thought of calling Francis ( my TD buddy)
for help though deep inside, I knew it'll be futile. "Errr.......do
you have its phone no. coz I.....am.. not quite sure... of
this...place." He shot a puzzled look and reached for his brown
carrier that had seen better days. After rummaging through, he
produced a piece of paper, glanced it through, and offered it to
me. " Will this help?" It was a fax copy of the hotel reservation.
I took a look and this panic stricken face was immediately
pacified. The bold letterhead was all it took for the heaven sent
relief. There glancing back cheekily were the words: YMCA
SINGAPORE.
Phew! KNN. Si bey ji xiao.
YMCA = Yim Kah , tis 1 really gd ;)