A Little Blog Refresh Is Underway

 

Blog renovation in progress. Please tahan the dust!

I’ve been looking through some of my older posts and realised that a few adventures have grown rather long.

Little by little, I’ll be tidying them up, dividing lengthy stories into shorter and easier-to-read parts, refreshing the layout and adding links so readers can move smoothly from one part to the next.

Nothing is disappearing, and the blog remains open as usual. New outings and memories will continue while I slowly give the older posts a little makeover.

Thank you for continuing to wander down memory lane with me.

My Long-Lost Blog...I'm Back!!!

Today, I unexpectedly found a long-lost blog that I had written many years ago. Reading it again brought back memories that I had almost forgotten. The words, stories, and especially the photographs felt like opening an old box filled with memories from another time.

Some people might say that these old photographs and stories are simply history. To me, however, they are much more than that. They are personal records of places I have visited, people I have met, and moments I experienced along the way. Each photograph carries a story, even if I can no longer remember every little detail surrounding it.

What makes these photographs even more valuable today is the fact that some of the places shown in them may no longer exist. Streets may have been rebuilt, old shops may have closed, restaurants may have disappeared, and familiar buildings may have been replaced by something completely different. The photographs therefore capture a version of these places that can no longer be seen in the same way.

Looking through the blog again made me realise how quickly the world changes. A place that once seemed ordinary can become precious years later simply because it has disappeared. What I casually photographed in the past may now be an important piece of my own history.

Finding this old blog was therefore like travelling back in time. It reminded me that photographs are not merely pictures; they are memories preserved in a form that can outlive the places themselves. I am glad I kept them, because one day these photographs may be the only way I can remember how those places once looked.

Perhaps this is what makes an old blog so special. It may seem like history to other people, but to me, it is a collection of memories that still feels alive. And among all those old photographs, some may be priceless—not because they are rare or famous, but because they record places and moments that may never come back again.

I shall continue to upload the old photos of the places I have visited over the years. Each photograph carries a small piece of my personal history—a moment, a journey, and a memory that may otherwise slowly fade with time.

As I look through these old photographs, I am reminded of the many journeys I have taken and the experiences I have shared along the way. They bring back memories of people, places, food, streets, and moments that cannot be recreated exactly as they were.

So I shall continue to upload and share these photographs, not only as memories for myself, but also as a small visual record of the places I once visited. Perhaps one day, someone looking at them will realise how much the world has changed—and appreciate these old images as a glimpse into a past that should not be forgotten.

There are still many more photographs waiting to be discovered, and I look forward to bringing them back to life, one memory at a time.

HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FRIENDS!!!

If Singapore Never Modernised – Aunty's Trishaw Nightmare!

It all started when I was admiring the historical maps at Gardens by the Bay MRT station.

Looking at how Singapore has transformed over the decades, a rather silly thought suddenly crossed my mind.

What if Singapore had never developed into the modern city we know today?

What if we were still relying on the transport of yesteryear?

AIYOH!!! Would Aunty have to take a trishaw every time she wanted to go kachak kachak? 

Aunty's Trishaw Adventure!

Imagine in the 1970s...

Aunty: "Uncle! Queen Elizabeth Walk please! I want to take photographs!"

Trishaw Uncle: "Queen who? Where is that?"

Aunty: "Aiyah! Just cycle towards the sea lah!"

Thirty minutes later...

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty... uphill leh... very heavy... can help push?" 🥵

Aunty: "AIYOH! I PAY FARE STILL MUST PUSH AH?!"

Another fifteen minutes later...

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty... I cannot tahan already..."

Aunty: "ALAMAK! Uncle, you sit ! I cycle!"

Imagine the sight!

Aunty pedalling furiously, camera swinging around her neck, while the trishaw uncle enjoys a comfortable ride!

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty! Faster a bit! I want to go makan!"

Aunty: "OI!!! NOW YOU BECOME MY PASSENGER AH?!"

And after an hour of cycling...

Aunty: "Uncle, where are we now?"

 

But Wait... Something Like This Really Happened!

Believe it or not, this silly imaginary adventure reminded me of a real incident involving Mama and me many years ago.

Back then, Mama and I were both rather generously built. One day, we decided to take a trishaw to the cinema.

Mama was beautifully dressed in her samfoo, with powder on her face and perfume applied. We were all ready for an enjoyable movie outing!

Unfortunately, our poor trishaw uncle had quite a challenge pedalling the two of us.

The journey seemed to take forever.

And Mama was getting increasingly impatient because we were going to miss the beginning of the movie!

Finally, she couldn't tahan anymore.

Mama: "UNCLE! YOU COME DOWN! I PEDAL!!!"

WAHAHAHAHA!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Of course, Mama didn't actually take over the trishaw.

Can you imagine her, all dressed up in her beautiful samfoo, pedalling furiously through the streets with her perfume trailing behind?

And the poor uncle sitting comfortably as her passenger!

AIYOH!!! What a sight that would have been!

We eventually reached the cinema, but we had already missed the beginning of the movie.

Mama was NOT HAPPY! 

From Trishaws To MRT Trains

Today, I can travel comfortably across Singapore by MRT, bus or car, with my trusty camera accompanying me on my little adventures.

Sometimes we forget how much easier life has become thanks to the development of our roads and public transport system.

And to think that a historical map at an MRT station could bring back such a hilarious memory of Mama!

Those days may be long gone, but the memories remain.

Thank goodness Singapore has modernised. Otherwise, by the time Aunty reaches Gardens by the Bay, the flowers would have retired! 🌸

And one final question...

If Aunty ends up pedalling the trishaw, WHO IS SUPPOSED TO PAY WHOM?! 🚲

Living Green, Living Well – Young Artists @ Woodlands Hospital

A Sweet Surprise at Woodlands Hospital

I was at Woodlands Hospital to visit Mama when something unexpected caught my eye — an art exhibition!

Titled Living Green, Living Well, this little discovery was certainly not on my agenda that day.

Aunty: Hello! What's this? An art exhibition?!

Art Exhibition: Surprise, Aunty! Didn't expect to see me here, did you?

Aunty: Aiyoh! I only came to visit Mama!

Art Exhibition: Since you're already here, why not have a little look around?

Camera: OI! Aunty! You know what to do!

Aunty: HAIZ! Even at the hospital, you won't let me rest ah?!

Woodlands Secondary School — Our Planet, Our Future

Two young artists, two different approaches, but one shared message — our Earth needs looking after!

1. Protect What Remains — Chen Qing Yu

A striking contrast between a healthy underwater world and one damaged by pollution. The sea turtle seems to be swimming against time, with a cracked clock reminding us that time is running out.

Aunty: Hello, Mr Turtle! Why do you look so worried?

Turtle: Aunty, my home is getting dirtier!

Aunty: AIYOH! Who's been throwing rubbish into your house?!

Turtle: That's exactly what I'm trying to find out!

2. Our Planet, Our Responsibility — Ler Hwee Min

A beautiful tree takes centre stage on our planet, surrounded by recycling symbols and even an astronaut encouraging everyone to do their part.

Aunty: OI! Even in outer space you're collecting rubbish?!

Astronaut: Of course, Aunty! Protecting Earth is everyone's responsibility!

Aunty: Wah! Your cleaning duty covers the whole universe ah?

Astronaut: Someone has to remind the Earthlings to recycle!

Aunty: HAHAHA! Earthlings, you all heard that or not?!

Woodlands Ring Primary School — What Makes Me Happy!

What a colourful collection of happy memories!

Created by Primary 2 and 3 students, these little cameras and film strips capture the things that bring joy to their lives — family, friends, outings and everyday moments.

Each camera tells a different story, and no two memories are quite alike!

Aunty: Hello, little cameras! What have you been photographing?

Camera 1: My happiest memories!

Camera 2: Mine too! Look at all my pictures!

Aunty: Wah! So many stories hiding inside these little film strips!

Rainbow Camera: Aunty! Look at me! I'm the most colourful one!

Aunty: AIYOH! You look like you've swallowed a rainbow!

Rainbow Camera: Happiness comes in ALL colours, you know!

Aunty: Hahaha! Then I must be carrying a whole rainbow in my camera bag!

Riverside Secondary School — Four Different Worlds

From dreamy waterfalls to childhood memories, underwater adventures and cheerful sunflowers — these young artists certainly have plenty to share!

1. The Sustainable Dreamscape — Aqilah Sharura Binte Abdul Malik

A colourful fantasy landscape with flowing water and a winding path, reminding us that protecting nature is a responsibility we all share.

Aunty: Wah! What a beautiful place! Can I go inside?

Waterfall: Come in, Aunty! But please keep my home clean!

Aunty: Don't worry lah! I only want photographs, not souvenirs!

2. Cozy Childhood Afternoons — Jasmine May Arceo Hafiz

A lovely reminder of those carefree afternoons spent watching television and enjoying favourite snacks.

Aunty: Hello, little girl! What are you watching?

Little Girl: My favourite programme! Want some snacks?

Aunty: Wah! Got television, got makan! Can I join you?

Little Girl: Okay! But don't change my channel hor!

3. In the Cerulean Deep — Mok Yu Rin

A peaceful underwater scene where graceful fish glide through the deep blue sea.

Aunty: Hello down there! Anybody home?

Fish: Shhhh, Aunty! We're enjoying our peaceful swim!

Aunty: Okay lah! Just one photograph!

Fish: You said that five photographs ago!

4. Nature's Golden Resilience — Ee Jing Yi

A cheerful field of golden sunflowers celebrating nature's strength and beauty.

Aunty: AIYOH! You girls followed me here too?!

Sunflowers: Of course, Aunty! Missed us?

Aunty: I just finished photographing your cousins!

Sunflowers: Then you should be an expert by now! Smile!

Qihua Primary School — Seeds of Hope

Created by four Primary 6 students, Seeds of Hope uses natural materials to tell stories of strength, healing and new beginnings.

Who would have thought that a few fallen leaves, scattered stones and little twigs could become artwork?

Aunty: Hello, little stones! What are you all doing here?

Stones: We're attending an art exhibition, Aunty!

Aunty: WAH! Even stones can become artists nowadays?!

Twigs: OI! Don't forget us! We helped too!

Dried Leaves: And look at me! I've become a star!

Aunty: Aiyoh! I thought you were all garden rubbish!

Stones: CHEY! That's why you must look carefully before you sweep us away!

Aunty: HAHAHA! Next time I sweep the floor, better check for hidden masterpieces first!

Woodgrove Primary School — Hearts Full of Life!

What a colourful collection of hearts! Some are filled with family memories, others with nature, food and reminders to stay healthy.

1. Where Strong Hearts Rise — Zhang Enqi

A giant heart surrounded by scenes of healthy living, family togetherness and a greener future.

Aunty: Wah, Mr Heart! You've got a whole world living inside you!

Heart: Of course, Aunty! Good food, exercise and happy family moments keep me going!

Aunty: Got room for one more person?

Heart: Can! But you must exercise too hor!

Aunty: AIYOH! Even inside a painting cannot escape exercise?!

2. Fuelling a Stronger Tomorrow — Giselle Ting Xin Heng

This colourful heart has a very important message about the food we choose to eat.

Aunty: Hello, Mr Heart! Why got two different food choices here?

Heart: One helps keep me healthy. The other? Better not too much!

Aunty: Aiyoh! You mean I cannot eat my favourite food every day?

Heart: Everything in moderation, Aunty!

Aunty: Okay lah… but don't confiscate my spring onion and ginger sauce hor!

Heart: AUNTYYYY!!!

Woodgrove Primary School — Nature Goes Wild!

1. Beyond Concrete: The Breathing City

A colourful mixed-media sculpture imagining Singapore as a city where nature and buildings live together.

Aunty: WAH! So many colours! Are you a city or an underwater garden?

Artwork: Why not both, Aunty? Even a busy city needs room to breathe!

Aunty: AIYOH! You've got flowers, corals and buildings all squeezed together!

Artwork: That's called making the most of our space lah!

2. Tiny Wonders of Botanic

A dazzling garden of patterned flowers, bursting with colour and imagination!

Aunty: HELLO! HELLO! Who organised this flower party?!

Flowers: WE DID, AUNTY!!!

Aunty: Wah! Everybody wearing different patterns! Got dress code or not?

Flowers: The more colourful, the better!

Aunty: AIYOH! Lucky I brought my camera. Otherwise how to remember all your outfits?!

Flowers: Then hurry up! Group photo, please!

Marsiling Secondary School — The Fruit & Veggie Gang!

From Produce to Pop Culture — Secondary 2 Students

What happens when ordinary fruits and vegetables are given faces, personalities and a little imagination?

They become a whole army of colourful characters!

These creative designs began as hand-drawn illustrations before being digitally enhanced using AI tools.

Aunty: HELLO! HELLO! Who let the whole vegetable market escape?!

Strawberry: OI! We're pop stars now, Aunty!

Mushroom: And I'm the most handsome one!

Pumpkin: Excuse me! Have you seen my fashionable outfit?!

Aunty: AIYOH! Nowadays even vegetables want to become celebrities?!

Carrot: Of course lah! We're not just for eating, you know!

Aunty: Okay, okay! Everybody line up for a group photo!

Vegetable Gang: CHEEEEESE!!!

Aunty: OI! Who invited the cheese?!

Greenwood Primary School — Through Young Eyes

Sometimes, the most interesting photographs are taken right where we are — in school corridors, among greenery, or in the quiet corners we usually walk past without noticing.

These young photographers have turned familiar school surroundings into something worth stopping to admire.

1. Reflection — Gabriel Omar Bin Muhammad Amin

A clever photograph using a tablet screen to create a reflection of the school building.

Aunty: OI! How come got a building inside your tablet?!

Tablet: It's called reflection, Aunty!

Aunty: Wah! One building becomes two! Very clever hor!

Tablet: Want to try?

Aunty: Don't tempt me! My camera already working overtime!

2. Finding Extraordinary — Haney Adreanna Binte Abdullah

Leaves, trees and little corners of greenery become the stars of these photographs.

Aunty: Hello, Mr Tree! You look very handsome today!

Tree: Aunty, I've been standing here every day!

Aunty: Then why nobody told me you're so photogenic?!

Tree: Because everyone is too busy walking past!

3. Blots of Sunlight — Choy Shu Mann

Sunlight streaming through familiar school spaces creates beautiful moments of warmth and calm.

Aunty: Wah! Who switched on the spotlight?!

Sunlight: ME! Free lighting service, Aunty!

Aunty: Can stay there a little longer? I want another photo!

Sunlight: Hurry up! I don't stay in one place forever!

4. Still Here — Liu Jian

A mysterious photograph showing an eye peeping through shadows and soft green blur.

Aunty: HELLO! Anybody hiding there?!

Eye: Shhhh! I'm watching you!

Aunty: OI! I thought I'M supposed to be the photographer!

Eye: Today, you're the one being watched!

Aunty: AIYOH! Photographer becomes subject! What a reversal!

Evergreen Primary School — A Home for Tomorrow

Sustainable Coastal Neighbourhood — CCA Art Club (Upper Primary Students, 2026)

Using recycled cardboard boxes and colourful paper, these young creators designed an eco-friendly coastal neighbourhood that could better withstand rising sea levels.

There are green rooftops, little trees, raised buildings and even a windmill!

Aunty: Hello! Anybody home? I'm here to view the property!

Little House: Welcome, Aunty! We have rooftop gardens!

Aunty: Wah! Got greenery, got windmill! Very atas leh!

Windmill: And I provide a little breeze too!

Aunty: Good, good! But got lift or not? My knees cannot climb so many stairs hor!

Little House: Errr… our architects are still in primary school, Aunty!

Aunty: AIYOH! Then I better submit my feedback early!

Evergreen Primary School — Eco-Homes

Eco-Homes — CCA Art Club (Upper Primary Students, 2026)

Using recycled cardboard, the young designers explored pyramids, cones and cubes to create a little architectural pavilion.

Aunty: HELLO! Anybody home?!

Little House: Up here, Aunty! Come on in!

Aunty: AIYOH! Why your front door so high up?!

Little House: Better views from upstairs mah!

Aunty: But your staircase looks so steep! Got lift or not?

Little House: Sorry, Aunty! Eco-friendly building, no lift!

Aunty: Then I admire your house from downstairs can already!

Little Pyramid: Aunty! What about me?!

Aunty: You ah? Even smaller! I think only my camera can fit inside!

Tiny Twigs, Big Ocean

By Art Club CCA (Primary 6 Group)

The students gave discarded twigs a second life by turning them into sea creatures. A lovely reminder that even the smallest things can make a difference to our environment.

Aunty: HELLO! Who's in charge of this ocean?!

Whale: ME! I'm the biggest here!

Shark: OI! Don't forget about us!

Octopus: Aunty, want a hug? I've got eight arms!

Aunty: AIYOH! One hug from you, I cannot escape already!

Jellyfish: Don't worry, Aunty. We're all very well-behaved!

Aunty: Good, good! But nobody splash water on my camera hor!

Sustainable Coastal Neighbourhood – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Evergreen Primary School – CCA Art Club (Upper Primary Students, 2026)

Using recyclable materials, the students worked together to create their dream eco-friendly neighbourhood. From planning to construction, everyone had a part to play.

Aunty: Hello, anybody home? I'm here to view the property!

House: Welcome, Aunty! Environmentally friendly, you know!

Aunty: Very good! Got garden, got rooftop, got plenty of fresh air!

House: And we're made from recycled materials!

Aunty: WAH! Save the Earth AND save building costs! But hor… got lift or not? Aunty's knees cannot tahan too many stairs!

Little Pots, Living Well

Admiralty Primary School – Visual Arts CCA, Primary 3 Students (2026)

A lovely collection of watercolour paintings celebrating the beauty of potted plants. Each little plant has its own personality, reminding us that even a small touch of greenery can brighten our surroundings.

Aunty: Hello, little plants! Wah, everybody so well-dressed today!

Cactus: Of course! We're having our annual beauty contest!

Aunty: Then who's the winner?

Flowering Cactus: ME! See my pretty blue flower?

Hanging Plant: OI! Don't forget me! I'm hanging around just to get noticed!

Aunty: AIYOH! Fifteen contestants, only one Aunty to judge! Can all of you share first prize or not?

Riverside Secondary School – Four Worlds, Four Stories

1. In the Cerulean Deep — Mok Yu Rin

Those delicate, glowing fish look almost like they're made of glass, floating quietly through the deep blue ocean.

Aunty: Hello, little fishes! Why are you all so transparent?

Fish: Because we're delicate, Aunty! Please protect our home!

Aunty: Don't worry! I'll only take photographs, not bring you home for dinner!

2. The Sustainable Dreamscape — Aqilah Shaura Binte Abdul Malik

A melting clock, a flowing river and a colourful dream world — even time seems to have lost its way here!

Aunty: HELLO! Why is the clock melting?!

Clock: Because time is running out, Aunty!

Aunty: AIYOH! Then faster tell everybody to protect our planet before you melt completely!

3. Cozy Childhood Afternoons — Jasmine May Arceo Hafiz

An old-fashioned television, favourite snacks and a cosy little room. This one brings back memories of simpler afternoons.

Aunty: Wah! That television got antenna some more!

Television: Of course! I'm from the good old days!

Aunty: Last time must adjust your antenna until picture clear, hor!

Television: And don't forget to give me a little slap when I misbehave!

Aunty: WAKAKAKAKA! You remember that too?!

4. Nature's Golden Resilience — Ee Jing Yi

A cheerful field of golden sunflowers, standing proudly under the sunshine. What a lovely way to end this collection!

Aunty: HELLO, SUNFLOWERS! We meet again!

Sunflowers: AUNTY?! You followed us all the way here?!

Aunty: No lah! I was visiting the hospital, and you all came to surprise me!

Sunflowers: Then smile, Aunty! We're here to brighten your day!

Goodbye, Young Artists!

Aunty: Okay, boys and girls! Aunty must go already!

Artworks: So soon? You've only just finished looking at us!

Aunty: SO SOON?! My camera is already asking for annual leave!

Camera: FINALLY! Somebody understands my suffering!

What began as an ordinary visit to Mama turned into an unexpected little art adventure. Thank you to all the talented students and teachers for sharing these wonderful creations.

Keep imagining, keep creating, and most importantly, keep having fun!

Chinatown Heritage Centre — Level 2, Part 1: Upstairs Into the Past

Missed our last stop downstairs? Read Level 1, Part 3 here!

Chinatown Heritage Centre — Level 1, Part 3: One Last Look Before Heading Upstairs

After exploring the ground floor, I headed upstairs to Level One of the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Wah, so many rooms were waiting to be explored!

Aunty: “Legs, don’t complain yet—we’ve only just started!”
Legs: “Easy for you to say lah; we’re the ones carrying you around!”

No Lift, Dim Stairs—And A Basket On A String 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

Wah piang eh, these stairs already look steep and dim. Imagine Aunty going marketing, then having to climb all the way up to Level Two with her tired legs—and sometimes the stairway wasn’t even properly lit!

Legs: “Aunty, still got how many floors?”

Eyes: “Can someone turn on another light first?”

Those days, no lifts—climbing was the only way home. We managed because that was what we had to do. Now that modern technology makes life easier, we shouldn’t forget the hard times we had while enjoying the good times we have.

My upstairs neighbour had a clever way to get her market goods up. She would call from downstairs, “Boy, lower the basket!” Her son slowly lowered a basket tied to a string. She put the groceries inside, and he hauled them upstairs. The market goods got their own little lift—but my neighbour still had to climb the stairs herself! 

The Chinese Sinsei And Little Aunty’s Bruises 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

The first room belonged to a Chinese sinsei and his family. Seeing the old consultation table and medicine jars reminded me of the sinsei who lived above our house.

I was the active type and couldn’t keep still for a minute—always climbing trees or combing the longkang. Naturally, I knocked myself here and there and collected plenty of bruises. Poor Mama had to bring me to the sinsei many times!

Little Aunty: “Sinsei, look—I knocked myself again!”
Sinsei: “Aiyo, what did you get up to this time?”
Little Aunty: “Tree climbing… longkang combing… the usual lah!” 

Our “Luxurious” Mix-And-Match Tea Set 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

At home, our tea set was “luxurious” in its own way—none of the pieces matched! The drinking glasses were free gifts that came with soda drinks. But when it was tea time, we put everything together and made it work. 

Aunty: “Oi, Mama’s egg pot, you again?”
Sinsei’s Egg Pot: “Hello! I’m the sinsei’s egg pot—don’t anyhow claim me hor!”

No Space Was Left Unclaimed 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

Aunty found the real landlords of this room—the daily essentials claimed every inch!

Daily essentials had no boundaries. Bottles and a mirror took over the top shelf; bowls, cups and basins claimed the shelves below. As long as there was space, they would move in and call it their “land”!

Aunty: “Wah, every inch already got an owner!” 

Medicine Jars, Remedies—And A Firm “No!” 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

The little jars on this shelf belonged to the sinsei’s pharmacy. They reminded me of the jars my neighbour kept, with snakes, rats, or something I couldn’t identify soaking in wine. I only went to the sinsei for my bruises—I wasn’t volunteering to sample the mystery wine!

Aunty: “Sinsei, medicine for the bruises, please. But don’t use that on me!” 

Paper Bags And Their Unreliable Handles 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

These paper bags were common in those old days. The only problem was that the base or the string handle could give way quite often.

Paper Bag: “Don’t worry, I can carry everything!”
String Handle: “Don’t trust him too much, Aunty!”
Aunty: “Aiyo, both of you better hold on till I get home!”

Our Romantic Lamps—No Lampshade Needed 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

No lampshade and hardly any light, but the romance still arrived! Maybe in that dim flicker, everyone looked extra dreamy. 

Lamp: “Don’t underestimate me, Aunty—I can still set the mood!”
Aunty: “Can, but don’t flicker until I think there’s a ghost!”👻

A Bitter Day Ahead 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

These were the sort of medicine packets you would see in an old medicine hall or a sinsei’s clinic. Whenever Mama carried some home, I knew a bitter day was waiting for me.

“Must I drink all of it, Mama?”

“Every last drop!”

Aiyoh… even before the first sip, my face was already scrunching up!

The Majies’ Day Off 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

As I mentioned in my earlier post, a group of majie rented a room above us. On their days off, they would come down to our house to chat with Grandma or play mahjong.

And little Aunty? Of course I was eyeing the food they brought for pot luck lah! The adults could carry on talking and playing—I was keeping watch over the goodies. Priorities, you know.

A Majie’s Signature Look 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

A majie was easy to recognise by her white top, black trousers and, most of all, her long pigtail.

My favourite majie neighbour used to style my hair too. But she only had one hairstyle for me—no need to choose from a menu!

“Can try another style today?”

“Same one lah!”

And off I went with my usual look again. Same look every time, can’t go wrong lah.

A Majie’s Essentials 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

A majie needed the basic things for daily life: somewhere to keep her belongings, bowls and cups for meals, and a tiffin carrier to bring food along.

But for my majie neighbours, there was one more essential item—the mahjong tiles! Once they had a day off, the tiles would come out and the game could begin.

“Got everything?”

“Wait! Where are the mahjong tiles?” 🀄

Just Like You And Me 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

The majies had their cool-weather-at-home outfit too—on a hot day, who wants to stay all buttoned up? 

My majie neighbours wore sleeveless tops in their room, especially on very hot days. Apart from their distinctive long pigtails, they looked like any other woman walking along the street.

Because that’s what they were—ordinary women, just like you and me, with their own comfortable clothes to wear at home.

A Family Of Ten 

The display says this cubicle was home to a factory worker father, a seamstress mother and their eight children. It was their home, study space and playground—all in this tiny room.

Ten people in this tiny cubicle? Aunty stood there trying to calculate where everyone could sleep, study and play. The parents must have had engineering-level planning skills! Must have careful and accurate calculation mah!

The Screen Cabinet Up High 

💭 Aunty Remembers…

The cabinet was hung high to keep the food away from the rats—but look who’s perched nearby, still eyeing it! 🐀

This is the screen cabinet I mentioned in Part 1. It was hung near the ceiling to keep things out of the rats’ reach. The mesh let air circulate while helping to keep bugs and dust away from the food.

But as I said earlier, the biggest rat in the house might have been little Aunty herself!