The kindness of strangers in a friendly city

Two incidents. The first happened as I was cycling home. I nearly crashed into another cyclist. Both of us stayed on our bikes. No bones broken. No scratches. A limp, apologetic smile from me.

The biggest shock was yet to come. "I do hope I did not discommode you too much," the other, blameless, cyclist said. The clanking sound was of my jaw dropping.

"Your English is very good," I said.