During a visit to Malta in July, my travelling partner and myself were very badly mistreated by a bus driver who was extremely rude, impatient, threatening and aggressive. He was downright abusive. He unnecessarily escalated the situation and humiliated us in front of a busload of people.

I am of Maltese descent, born in Canada, and have come to Malta many times over the past 33 years. I have to say that this man's behaviour did not make me feel proud of being Maltese. I travel extensively and have never encountered this level of maltreatment anywhere else in the world.

After leaving the bus in Siġġiewi, a lovely Maltese woman who had been travelling on the same bus, approached us and said: "On behalf of all the Maltese people, I would like to apologise for how badly you were treated by the bus driver..." Her kind nature and genuine words really touched me deeply and washed away all the bad feelings we had about the experience. She really reaffirmed in me what I have always felt about the Maltese people: that they are warm, kind hearted, very welcoming and very giving people.

It's those types of experiences in life that make it all worthwhile! It was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. And I'm glad to say that she made me very proud of my Maltese roots!