Raffles Hotel, Singapore.

RAFFLES HOTEL

1 Beach Road 

Singapore 189673

                                                 Attention: Hotel Administration

Dear Singapore Raffles Hotel Administration;

        Thank you very much for your guest feedback form and the leaflet.

        Yes - thank you for asking - I did indeed enjoy my stay on your world famous premises and I very much enjoyed every single bite of your delicious cuisine, rated number one not only throughout Singapore but in the entire world.  You see, I myself am a vegetarian but my husband and my father tell me that your steak was so soft they could cut it with a fork. In fact they both say that your steak was the best they have ever had in their lives. I tried your gourmet soft-ripened cheese and most of your state-of-the-art desserts, and Sir, I must tell you that ‘heavenly’ is the only word that comes to mind when trying to describe the perfection that is your cuisine.

        Now, Sir, on your multiple choice restaurant feedback form that you sent, the top choice is 'favorite dining experience ever'. When I read that line, Sir, I couldn’t help but have an instant flashback of a night in the middle of rural India, about a year prior to visiting your lush hotel. It was 1 AM and I was sitting in the back seat of a jeep and the only other person in the car was the driver. I hadn't slept in 72 hours except for the 2 hours I got in this $5 a night place, the only hotel there was on the way. No blankets, no sheets, not even a 25-thread count linen, Sir. No pillows either. The mattress was bare and really dirty and the bathroom was a hole in the ground. Let's just say it was a far cry from the world-class experience that is your hotel.

        So anyway, Sir, there I was, in rustic India, in the back of a jeep, with my life in the hands of a driver whom I had only known for 72 hours and who had a 50-word English vocabulary. Ahead of us was another 24-hour drive, much of it on dirt roads. I hadn't eaten in almost two days and we were nowhere near any civilization. I couldn't decide if I was more tired or more hungry. 

        At about 3 AM the driver stops the car by a little hut-like building. There's a small open fire outside and flickers of light in the tiny doorway. We walk in. The place is dim, about 30 square feet, filled with the strong and overpowering smell of Indian tea. There are 7 or 8 people sitting inside. All motions and sounds stop as we walk in. Dumbfounded, they all stare at my white skin, blond hair and western clothes, while the driver talks to them in Tamil. Within a matter of seconds a small table with a chair gets set up outside, a lantern with a candle is put on the table and they're apologizing that they could only find a spoon for me but not a knife or a fork. In a split second I have 4 eggs sunny side up in front of me and a freshly made indian rice-and-lentil crepe called ‘dosa’.

        That meal, Mr. Singapore Raffles Administration, was the best meal I have ever had in my life.

        It was prepared for me with the love of people who didn't even know me. The personal touch of the lantern and providing the only spoon they owned wasn't based on carefully conducted marketing strategies and was perhaps the most non-synthetic hospitality I ever experienced.

        Please know that I do love your hotel and all your 15 restaurants and I promote it to everyone all the time. But let me tell you, Sir, even though I love luxury as much as I do, I can't help but prefer those ever-so-charming imperfections that make life so damn beautiful.

        Please find the filled out feedback questionnaire enclosed. 

        Have a wonderful day, Sir.

        Sincerely;

        

        Agnes

Comments

[Heather Landry]

Is this possible? I'm first?! LOL

I think this post is awesome Agnes. A wonderful reminder to all of us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Thank you for sharing!

[Diana]

This is the best piece i hav read so far in ur space Agnes...Loved the way u'hv put together ur experience in India...Brilliant...and yes, not to forget...a rockstar pic.

[Andy]

Don't mean to sound so repetitive...perfect.

[colours]

WOW!!!!!! Lovely... - experience and the post.

[nurin]

such amazing hospitality!

[Angeli]

oh, i love your post, Agnes. so beautifully written..

[Songy]

I love your letters. They crack me up!

[Amelia]

that was sweet of you, Agnes. I have seen the Raffles Hotel but haven't gone inside ;) LOL!!!

thanks for wonderful thoughts and for sharing!

[Artemis]

WOW... touching...

[Arun Kumar]

Really cool :) Its really an irony that I am a guy from Chennai and now working in Singapore - and this is the first post I am reading in your blog :)

[jacqueline]

i think that this is one very touching and humbling post... i haven't read a post for more than a week now, and reading this just makes me so inspired to not fret over petty little things, and instead appreciate the comfort i have at home and at work.

nice nice post... and lovely lovely you in the pic. :)

[Zhu]

Oh, how much I love these travel stories! Plus, your writing is original.

I can see why you like India so much. True adventure, hospitality, and without doubt a colorful country!

[Kiran]

I have read this post before Agnes. But I still enjoyed reading every word of your blog post. I sat intently and read again and again.

[Bins]

That was some post! Instantly brought back memories of the time I left home. I had to carefully plan my meals, so that i do not run out of money. You will never see me pick on my food. I learnt the value of a meal then.

But wow, u've had some real adventures. And thanks to u, I am terribly hungry now! And a steak is dancing in front of my eyes! :D

[Dan Brantley]

Nicely done, The genuine should always displace the ersatz.

Who takes your pictures?

[Soul]

Tell you what! This was one of the first posts of your that I had read. That was some time back. Quite some time. It still holds its thrill value.

Jai ho.

*cheers*

[Sadiya]

Very perfectly narrated...most of the time all the thought that goes behind goes unnoticed when what is presented is not upto the level but to realise and appreciate the effort that was spent in bringing that one available spoon is equally applaudable.....

I enjoy reading your posts Agnes

[Angie R]

I was first drawn to your site because of your photo - you look a bit like the actress in 9 1/2 weeks. But this particular post of yours is so beautifully written.

When I saw the blog title Raffles Hotel Singapore at the top of your blog, I thought you were writing an ad for Raffles. Turned out it was a letter. How refreshing. :-) Angie

[Shalmalee]

Beautifully written...and who else than an Indian can feel each and every word in this post :)

[Trevor]

Beautiful narrative of a wonderful experience. Not to take anything away from your cherished memory and i don't want to be a killjoy either but i have to ask myself if the story would have been the same if I were in your place. Sadly, I know the answer.

[Ordinary Biscuit]

Another well written experience of yours Agnes very nice. There really is a big difference in Singapore & India like maybe you can find so many restaurants in Sg while in India where you traveled restaurants are scarce. Thanks for sharing

[Agnes]

Thanks for your comments. I just love your comments. :-)

[Lucky]

Agnes

Your stories bring to mind many happy pleasurable moments from my travels too.

I am a story person, I like to listen to other people's stories. Keep writing.

[renaye]

wow. makes me feel like going to that hotel too but it must be very expensive!!

[Shu Fen]

Wow, first time dropping by here :)

So nicely recounted, I felt like I was there ^^

An enjoyable read.

Cheers!

[amanda conley]

What a sweet experience!

[Jules]

Very well said Agnes.Great post as always.;D

http://www.soloden.com

[Solo]

Love this post,and i like your photo..=)

http://www.solofoodtrip.com

[Sidney]

Well...I guess it nice to have experienced the two... the luxury of the Raffles Hotel and the hospitality of people on the road...

Wow... you are beautiful... but I guess you know that.

[Nancy]

And I'm curious....what's keeping u so busy???????

[enjayneer]

hi there... great blog...
this will surely be not my last visit...
see yah!

-enJAYneer-
JAYtography: An Online Travelogue

[JH]

Loving and touching travel experience !

I worked there before during my internship, even though I am no longer in the hotel/hospitality industry, Raffles Hotel is unique and special, with the hospitality and wonderful experiences you received :)

Looking forward to more of your travel stories around different parts of the world !

JH
http://www.photojournalist-tgh.tv

[Lucky]

33 is one of my favourite numbers..I hope this is the
33rd post. Lucky me! if it is the 33rd.

Singapore is a unique enjoyable city. In the early 1970's I used to
go to the Hilton for the airconditioning...(I was not staying there)

[Mehreen]

Hello Agnes.

I have always loved this post from you Agnes. This was so genuine. It touches my heart each time I read it :)

[Gregorio]

Great post.You really know how to express yourself through written words.I used to do a lot of traveling and this reminds me of the good,bad and simple joys of it all.This post is bringing my wander lust out again,thank you.

[UmaS]

Hi, First timer here !

Very touching post. Simple pleasures in life are truly the best and the most memorable ones.

[Erelas RyAlcar]

That might indeed be one of the best, genuine blog articles I've ever read, thank you for sharing.

[Yahya]

It's great that you had a great time in Singapore Raffles Hotel! =)

[nichypal]

Nice blog.

From our MakeMyTrip UAE( http://www.makemytrip.ae ) travels we also provide luxury hotels with all facilities for commuters who are travalling from our travels.

[Lynn]

Nicely written...........

Lynn

[New Jordans]

It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. This blog makes me realize the energy of words and pictures. Keep coming up with ideas.

[Michelle]

First of all it's great to be acquainted with another vegetarian - I don't know many!

I love to travel and often want to experience more than what a glorious 5 star hotel and a couple tours can offer. I am in the very beginning stages of planning a few weeks of volunteer work in Thailand either working in an orphanage with HIV infected children or women in a red light type of district. Everyone is so afraid for me, but I am not. I absolutely love this post!!!

[The Urban Cowboy]

A wonderful post from a beautiful person, and I'm talking about your heart.

[Patti Murphy]

What spontaneous kindness. The hospitality of people in many less developed countries puts us to shame. I sometimes wonder if travelers to Canada have ever experienced the generosity you've described above.

[Biana]

What a great post, Agnes! You're quite the traveller I see. How exciting! I wish I could do that! You write well. Lovely picture, you're very pretty! xxx Biana

[theBluesman]

If i ever own a hotel of my own i'll certainly invite you to stay for one whole month at no charge. Such sincere & beautiful comments are most welcome at any hotel establishment for that matter. Thanks for sharing this.

[bd]

Nice. The ordinary experience becomes the exceptional one.

[Barry]

I have not been to Singapore, but in the villages of Liberia, I would get the same thing about the hair and skin - of course, I am an old guy, but still they want to touch you just because you are white.

[Jen]

I adored your letter, how perfect and beautifully written. You certainly have a way with words, but we already knew this!!!

Wonderful letters. Continue enjoying the simple things in life!

[Talli Roland]

Wonderful post! I love living through your travel experiences with you - you have such a brilliant way of writing about them.

[Kate]

Did you have a Singapore Sling or have a curry tiffin ?

[Mauzzie]

:)
I was just about to ask you about Sigapore, but then I noticed that the earlier comments of this post are from a year back and did one did not roll in my blog list... I'm asuming it's an old post?

It beautiful nonetheless though.

[Agnes]

@Mauzzie: yes, a re-post, for old times sake :-)

[Dori]

You're writing always enthralls me :-)

[soulprincess]

HI ...
I am new to your blog, but i love it:)
And the photo for this post was great ....have a smashing day - SP 

[vagabond sister]

you are beautiful, agnes...

[Roland D. Yeomans]

You are a talented writer. I felt like I was bouncing along with you in the jeep. I envy you the adventure. Savor each moment. You are enriching yourself and your family with your exploits. Breathe each breath. Roland

[NIM]

u know what? I totally agree with u... I've had amazing gourmet experiences in the best of hotels here in India. But nothing beats the food that you get in the roadside stalls mostly known as "Dhaba"...
I must say, i'm a little surprised that u didn't complain about the hygiene coz most foreigners miss out on the 'real' food because of the look of the place. i guess u didn't have a choice after staying hungry for 2days???

[Tora]

I want to go to India now - more than usual! Very beautiful post. Thank you!

[Reenie]

For some reason the first thing that came to my mind seeing this photograph is 'Golden Girl...'

My brain is weird!

[Geoff]

Hi Agnes;
Nice to see this post again. It is as moving now as it was at the time. I am familiar with those rural tea stands on Indian roads as you pass the villages in Tamil Nadu at night but I never got the reception you got. You have a quality about you that invites others to share a friendship with you instantly. I saw it with the Dalai Lama last week when he reached for your hands and I've seen it in your eyes and heard it in your words. It even comes across in your blog. You are approachable and willing to communicate. You are a rare spirit indeed.
Love
Geoff

[As I Like It]

:)

[Gel]

Well written. I LOVE this summary line of yours: "even though I love luxury as much as I do, I can't help but prefer those ever-so-charming imperfections that make life so damn beautiful."

[Crissant]

Brave actitude!!!! Courage!

Amazing photo!

[lostworld]

I've been wondering why you didn't post anything for so long & came here to find out. Then I see this new "LOVELY" post. My blogroll didn't update it for some strange reason!! :-X

I'm curious to know which place in TN this was? In a strange way,I feel very proud I am an Indian after I read your entire post. I make decent dosa-chutney-sambhar Agnes. Seriously! Do drop in anytime ;-)

[liz]

oh my god agnes, both trips sound amazing! have fun and be safe :)

[thinking]

hmm...very touching indeed...Agnes...

I like the way you put everything together...what a comparision..:D

I also like simpler and original...

Thank you so much for reminding again that still simple steal the hearts...

thank you so much.

[Cynthia]

Oh what a beautiful contrast description!!!!!!!!! So true the perfect meal is so about the kindness of strangers offering there finest whatever that maybe:)

PS Agnes every time I scroll down to leave a comment. Geoff's comments always catch my attention. What a beautiful person and the love he has for you. So, precious. As my Mom would say:) Again have a fabulous safe trip!

[virginia bed and breakfast]

The Raffles hotel in Singapore is the name of luxury and perfection. It is the best place to have a peaceful and comfortable stay and accommodation. It is the most expensive and luxurious place of stay in the world. The design and architecture of the hotel is eye catching and spectacular.

The rooms are spacious with all necessary amenities provided to customers. The food is so delicious and tempting especially the grilled steak is so scrumptious.

[savvygal]

I stayed at the Raffles Singapore a few years ago and it was one of the best hotel experience in my life too. Love the afternoon tea there and the India food is to die for. : )

[Kokochi]

I visited Raffles a few years back, and loved the inner court yard plants/trees. They seemed so big and luscious (coming from Tokyo at the time). I was such a tourist by stepping amongst the plants just to feel the leaves : )

[Account Deleted]

reading such good things about India ....... makes...be a proud Indian....but also jealous that may be i wouldn't have got the same treatment......... :D

[Satish]

hi that is a interesting post, hospitality that comes from heart is always the best :-).

[New York City Events February 2011]

I am very experienced traveler. I'm very demanding. But I loved everything about this hotel! Everything is perfect. I have no complaints. The room was huge and beautiful. The service was perfect.

[lax airport hotels]

It is amazing that you are sharing your nice experience here. I am really pleased to visit there.

[Hotels Cagayan de Oro]

Your experience surely did inspired me. I was truly inspired and impressed with your whole lot enjoyment during your stay at Raffles Hotel, I've just felt how accommodating not just the service but that great ambiance.

[Kumar. V]

Providing hospitally to visiitors is part of our culture and rituals, but slowely we wre loosing it in towns, you are the one lucky to recieve it in rural india (your lovely heart deserves it). will love to read about that whole trip in tamil nadu in a new post. i heared this kind of feedback about india from most of foreign visitors, which always remainds the value of our culture. you are welcome to india for one more time. there is lot more then luxury in this land..

[Phil Grahm Salt]

I want also to go there!

[marmaris otelleri]

this is great post and blog. I found here with google. regards

[Restaurant Feedback Form]

This is really inspiring! thanks for the share!@

[Budget Accommodation Sydney]

Very honest, touching and inspiring. Thanks for sharing and comparing your experiences. True. “ever-so-charming imperfections that make life so damn beautiful”

[Insurance]

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read this article!

[Teresa Thompson]

I love to travel and I wish to stay in such famous hotels like Raffles of Singapore. Staying in this kind of hotel is one of my simple joy.