A Black & WhiteTrip Down Memory Lane...

When I think back on all those times in my childhood, inevitably fond memories of this one particular favourite hangout creeps into my thoughts... It's none other than that beach I grew up on. Ahh, that wonderful beach that was anyone's for the taking. I guess the saving grace for us kids when my grandparents made the decision to build a home in the small, sleepy coastal town of Mukah was that beach. It was so different back then, so unspoilt. Eco friendly issues were not even heard of-we'd go shell picking ever so often! I remember my eldest brother was an avid shell collector; he'd come home and unload his spoils into a large basin in the bathroom and us, young ones would look on approvingly. Not knowing that thousands of hermit crabs must have met their untimely deaths each time! If I remember correctly the cleaning agent of choice was chlorox! Ok, I'll try not to look back in guilt. :-) That was after all the age of innocence.

Here are a few pics from about the time we just moved there, 1968-1969!
L-R, Evelyn, Bertie, Terry & Arthur. Where was I? Shell picking?

Sometimes on a 'good' day ( from experience, this would be in the mornings) when you decided that you just needed to breathe that salty sea breeze to clear your head or whatever, you discover with pure delight that you've got the whole stretch of beach to yourself! Who could ask for more?! It took a mere 15-20 minute bicycle ride from our home to reach that little piece of haven. Bicycles were our main mode of transport in those days; and we really were sun-kissed and healthier! We were practically on the beach most evenings to watch the sun go down. Boy, there were some lovely sunsets.. But nothing, I tell you, nothing can beat the feeling of that sea breeze fiercely whipping against your face; hair flying in all directions, the salty smell of the sea gently assaulting your senses and that gritty sand tickling your bare feet. Sometimes, I just miss those good ole days, even if only in my mind...*sigh* Tis pic is of me & my younger brother, Arthur. Next, Evelyn & friend, Monalisa.

When my brothers were younger, they'd sometimes grudgingly let us ( the younger ones) tag along whenever they wanted to go for a swim. But it was a different story as they grew older and wanted to have their own privacy to do stuff with their own friends that we were not even allowed to know of, hehe. But by that time I guess we had our own circle of friends, so that didn't bother us to much.... But somehow we'd always get wind of what they were up to!! Everything spread like wild-fire in that small town anyways. No matter how insignificant; that bad, yeah. Latest juicy bit of gossip? Never you mind. Just stay at home; it'll find it's way to you! Guaranteed.

Ever so often, we'd head to the beach for picnics with friends and many a wonderful bonfire was had in our teen years! I can even recall what it was like lying in bed on stormy nights, listening to the seas roar! Growing up 'on' the beach had it's advantages. Many a hurt had been calmed by those crashing waves and many a joy carried straight to impressionable callow hearts by those whipping sea breezes.... Ahh, you know, teenage angst, first loves..the works!

Here are some pics from that period.Teenage years. These pics were taken by a very kindly fatherly gentleman, whom we used to call Pak Haji. He was a dresser (before they became known as HA's) in the local hospital and he and his family would often take us out to picnics on the weekends. His wife loved cooking and we enjoyed the spoils of her labour.. Pak Haji was such a dear that he captioned every little pic at the back in his own handwriting. These pics he dates 16th June, 1975 ( I must've been 14 years old here) and he has written down some funny anecdotes to 'capture the moment' so to speak, that it evokes such poignant feelings/memories of that time. God bless his dearly departed soul. They were some of the nicer people from my teenage years, (I just have to say this, not going to justify it) save for their eldest 18 year old son.. Jerk. Is the only word that comes to mind. AAAH & URGHH! The travails of growing up! Haha. ... Another time, another story.
I know it's Evelyn, somewhere under that book. Back-Me, Evelyn Fr-Mona, Zul,Joyce and 'undercover' was Ahmad.