Recently I went to Valletta to run some errands, catching the 42 bus from San Gwann. The bus departs from Birkirkara and is almost full by the time it gets to San Gwann. I managed to sit down in the back seat.

That day it was stifling hot and to make matters worse the windows of the bus could not be opened. I was lucky that I had my MP3 player so I tuned in to pass the time. Once the bus got to the university, it was full up.

At this stage a man in his mid-60s got on and as no seats were available he had to remain on his feet. It was clear that he was struggling to remain doing so, besides having to endure the intense heat. Since no one seemed to care about this old man I was about to stand up and offer him my seat when a black man did just that. The old man thanked him and sat down.

I would have expected such a move to have come from those passengers who were seated next to the old man, but for them it seemed inappropriate. Unfortunately the black man got down in Msida as once in Valletta I would have gladly had a chat with him and offered him a drink.

After this episode I remembered what a man I knew once told me: It does not matter which country you are from or what your skin colour is, what is important is who you are.