Zachary Yong and Leng Chiang Lek

Zachary Yong:

Once upon a time, there was a little boy called James. James grew up in Singapore, and he loved it! There was so much to eat, and so much to explore. But most of all, he had a loving and wonderful family.

One day, James’ father asked him what he would like to do during the holidays. James replied, “I want to go to Universal Studios!” However, James’ father suggested: “How about something different, something out of the ordinary?”

James was intrigued. He asked: “What place?” James’ father replied: “You’ll see!”

A few days later, James and his father took a trip down Orchard Road. James asked: “Are we going to Marina Bay Sands?” His father replied: “No, we are heading here instead.”. And he took a sharp left turn.

James asked: “Where does this take us to?” His father said: “To Saunders Road, where your grandparents grew up!”

Leng Chiang Lek:

Once they were both at Saunders Road, James and his father got out of the car and began exploring the neighbourhood. James’ father explained to James how Saunders Road, in its heyday previously, was a very peaceful neighbourhood where everyone knew each other well. James learnt that his grandmother, along with her family, were one of numerous Peranakan (or straits chinese) families that grew up in the estate.

“What did mama do when growing up?” James asked. “Mama had a very different childhood to yours. She played badminton with her neighbours, learnt cooking from her mother and learnt how to cycle. So different from yours!” “Mama studied at SCGS at Emerald Hill, and then she studied at Teachers’ Training College at Paterson Road, all in the same estate.

James and his father then continued walking, and all too soon left Saunders Road. “Where are we going now, dad?” James’ father replied: “To Emerald Hill, where your grandfather grew up.” James exclaimed: “Both of them grew up in Orchard road? Wow, they must have come from rich backgrounds!”

James’ father replied: “No, on the contrary, your grandparents did not come from rich families.” James was in disbelief: “Really? How poor were they?” James’ father then told James, about how James’ grandfather was so poor that he had to make a daily choice with his pocket money - to either eat lunch or to take a bus home. James was shocked and pressed his father for more details.

James' father then told him: “But your grandfather made good in life. He excelled in his work while studying in ACS, and in his sport, swimming, and thereafter became a literature teacher and swimming master as a CCA teacher, helping other children learn how to swim confidently.” James was surprised: “Wow, I didn't realise that this estate in Orchard road is so closely associated with my grandparents. Thanks for the outing, dad!” His father replied: “No problem! Glad you enjoyed it and discovered your family heritage today.”