First free-lance heritage guiding assignment through Raffles Hotel. Jason is my first assistant.

Today made history as the day when my free-lance guiding enterprise sees its first tourists - two pairs of elderly American couple who came from a cruise ship. Jason was with me as assistant and photographer. Initially things looked bad as the two couples just arrived and were busy checking in their luggage when they were unexpectedly told by their tour package leader that they were supposed to have a free city tour after lunch. Fearing that my tour might end late and make them tired, they wanted me to come tomorrow instead despite the fact that i had already changed to become a British general! Fortunately the hotel staff, Mark, tried to coax them. At one point their conversation went like this:
Tourist: Ask the guide (Malcolm) to come tomorrow instead.

Hotel Staff: The guide (Malcolm) has another assignment tomorrow.

Tourist: Well, then get another guide tomorrow instead.

[I stood there worried at the thought that she actually suggested replacing me!]

Hotel Staff: This guide (Malcolm) is the best for World War II in Singapore! You will still have time to come back for the City Tour. [I was so proud of that statement!]

Tourist: Ok then. [I heaved a sigh of relief]

The tour ended up quite well. I ended up bringing the four tourists to the Changi area as was suggested by them. They were tired on the way back but were quite happy with the trip to give me some good feedback in my guestbook and tipped us real well! Jason was a great help today and he truly deserved his earnings for today too. My only regret was that Jason and I forgot to take a memorial photo on our first assignment. We have made history as the only guiding enterprise consisting of ex-teacher and ex-students working together! More to come hopefully. I sure would like to work with the rest of my assistants whom I have trained and hand-picked!