Vanishing Neighbourhoods

It was a lazy rustic afternoon with balmy sunrays and a steadfast docile breeze. There was an idyllic hush in the neighbourhood, marred only by the bashful whispering of the abundant leaves in the dignified angsana and rain trees surrounding us. Occasionally, we heard the apologetic rustling of a cleaner's broom against old tiles. A lone elderly woman wandered past, her mind focused on mirages of days long gone. A few groups of teenagers sauntered past, their young pristine minds unaware of the crowds that used to throng the very same pavement that they were walking on. 

Mum, the Bees and I were enchanted by these charming scenes in the old fading neighbourhood of Queenstown. We were at the library along Margaret Drive, enjoying a peaceful afternoon of books and coffee (and yummy potato wedges for the Bees!) yesterday. When we emerged from the cool air condition into the warm sunshine kissing our faces, we were bewitched by a picturesque yet crumbling neighbourhood. 

Hush hush in the library!

We sat down beneath a voluminous pong pong tree, with the Bees admiring its flourishing flora and bright green fruits (Little Bee thought they were apples!). We looked back at the weary hawker centre that had seen more vibrant days. Mum was instantly transported back to the dating days where Dad and her used to frequent the adjacent cinema before their regular suppers at the very same hawker centre.

The hawker centre that had seen many generations. Unfortunately, it will be closing soon.

Her faraway eyes indicated a nostalgic journey down the many years. Mum told me, "All these places will soon be upgraded and demolished. And what's left of them will just be within my memories." She also remarked how amazing it is to have 3 generations of us sitting now in the same place that Dad and her dated. 

The very same setting in a totally different stage of life. Life does sidle past us in such a swift and stealthy manner. As parents, I think it is fundamental that we bring our children to all these nooks and crannies of Singapore, so that they can truly understand the past and present, and apply these knowledge to their future.