Page 75 - Stories from our Grandparents

WIP

Mdm XXX Born 1951

By Samantha Tan Wen Hui “In the past, there were no supermarkets, only provision
ITE College West
shops. To get to the provision shop, it takes half an hour
of cycling. There was no need for her to purchase fruits,
eggs, vegetables and fresh meat because they had their
y grandma was born in Malaysia, Segamat on 21 September 1951. own fruit trees that bore durians, papayas and
One of the most memorable things she did during her childhood rambutans. They also had their
days was farming. She migrated to Singapore in 1967 to marry
Mmy grandpa. They both met in Malaysia while my grandpa was own vegetable farm and reared
there to sell vegetables. She was a farmer until everyone had to move their own chickens, pigs and
from kampongs to HDB flats. She eventually became a waitress till today. ducks.”

During the early days of Singapore’s independence, kampong life was The games she played were five stones, skipping rope and role play. She
interesting. The whole kampong would gather at one person’s house to had to obtain fresh and clean water from the well and only got to drink glass
watch television. However, if there is thunder, she won’t be able to watch bottled soft drinks and eat cookies during Chinese New Year. It took about
television. Every day, the whole family eats white rice with vegetable and an hour of walking to get to the bus stop and the buses back in the days
egg. Only on special occasions will they get to eat roast chicken, roast were not air-conditioned. On rainy days, the rain would seep in and there
duck, roast pork and fish. To send the children to school, it takes about would be water leakages from the bus top.
an hour of walking. During the walk to school, there might be stray dogs
that will attack. Neighbours were very bonded and they did not close their doors. The
toilet bowl had no flushing system and it must be flushed manually. Putting
firecrackers was also one most of her most memorable experiences. Lastly,
her aspiration for the future generation of Singaporeans to be appreciative
for what they have and to be thankful towards the pioneer generation.

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