At long last on February 5, I managed a trip back to my hometown Segamat. We left Singapore at 6 am and by 6.30 am we were in Johor Baru. The North-South highway was good because traffic was light at that time of the morning. We called in at a rest stop where we had coffee. If possible try and avoid the beverages at such places. We had to abandon our drinks. They were not even up to motorway standard.
We left the North-South highway when we got to the Yong Peng turn-off. From then on we journeyed along the old trunk road. This road has been vastly improved and the rest of our journey to Segamat was quite good.
We got to Segamat at around 9.30 am. We proceeded to have our breakfast at the coffee shop which is noted for its local coffee and kaya toasts. After breakfast we took a walk along some of the old streets of my hometown, Nothing has changed, except maybe for the merchandise in the shops. We walked passed the shop house and I pointed out to Dianne the little place where I was born and where I lived for 17 years before I ventured out into the world. I must admit it brought back some good memories.
Next we over to visit mother at brother’s Tong’s house. Mother is well and looking very good. For a 93 year old she is extremely healthy. I pray that she will remain so for a long time to come. Her only complaint is the slight loss of hearing. I am so happy she is well. As usual we sat and chatted, with mother asking about how we are getting on and how our children are doing. Having assured her that we are all well, she appeared happy. I could tell she was very pleased to see us. I had to dampen her elation a little by telling her we were not staying the night in Segamat. However, she was quite please at my suggestion that we lunch together at a local restaurant. The lunch was excellent. Good food and loving company certainly make a joyous occasion.
WE stopped at a local fruit seller and bought 10 durians, some pomeloes and some langsat. We presented 2 of the pomeloes to mother for prosperity in the New Year.
After lunch we returned for another chat at home. Then it was time to say goodbye again. I gave her an ang pow to help her celebrate her Lunar New Year My mother asked that I make regular trips home. I said I will try. On the way back to Singapore on the other side of town we dropped in to see one of my aunt and my little god daughter. Unfortunately my god daughter was still at school. We chatted with my aunt for a while and started on our journey back to Singapore.
We got to Singapore at 6.40 pm. On the way home we went by Marn Seng’s, Sister Yoke Leng’s and Gary’s to deliver the durians.
It was a good day. Visits to Segamat always cheer me up. I cannot say it does the same to others. Segamat will always be the place I call home.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment