Singaporeans are generally much better off than many other people worldwide, where food, shelter, creature comforts, job opportunities, health, education, etc, are concerned. Take potable water, for instance. I have been drinking tap water for close to 50 years. I have not once fallen ill doing so. The supply has been continuous, the rates affordable and the flow good.

The nights illuminated by carbide, kerosene and pressure lamps made way for the wonders of the modern electric lights, electric kettles, gas cookers, etc. I never forget how that gigantic leap to modernity and comfort filled me with joy.

Food? I had two to three square meals a day, consisting of rice with the basic side dishes. There were times when I just had rice marinated with black sauce for flavour. Now we are all spoilt for choice, whether quantity, variety or quality. My five other siblings and I slept on a straw mat laid on the concrete floor, constantly fighting over the use of an old thin blanket on cold rainy nights.

Hand-me-downs (clothes, shoes, school text books) were standard fare. Pocket money was a luxury. The fruits in the neighbourhood trees provided relief from hunger and also gave the much-needed vitamins and fibre. Life, though hard, was filled with fun, laughter and recreation. Neighbourliness ensured day-to-day life was free from childish acrimony, jealousy and envy. Doors and windows remained open throughout the day, and were only closed at night.

Well, nostalgia serves no other purpose than to be momentarily therapeutic. Welcome back to the reality of complaints, grouses, gripes, anger, disappointment, etc.

Ho Kong Loon