47. THE EAST COAST - KUANTAN

 

Growing up in Malaysia, the East Coast states were my favourite playgrounds during school breaks.

Its been a very long time since I visited and it was with fond memories and a deep sense of deja vu that I explored its beaches, kampungs, old-style coffee shops, bazaars and narrow lanes.

Many things have not changed, changes if any, have crept in very slowly, I noted with pleasure.

Shops still have salted fish drying on the pavements, the coffee shops are still small in the same old shophouses with a homey feel and the proprietor, friendly and warm, you can linger over teh tarik and they leave you alone to sit and chat, or they stop by to chat when they know where we are from.

The people are genuine, patient and speak in soft, low tones. In the modern malls, they have the same attributes, sales staff make time to show and recommend products and explain the pros and cons of different models.

Its so old world, I felt a deep sense of loss that this has all but disappeared in Singapore and in the busier bustling cities of the west coast states of Malaysia.

With a heavy heart, I see that Singapore has paid a heavy price for the relentless pursuit of success, excellence, survival and whatnots......it could'nt help itself. Its debilitating - has it been worth it? It shows on its peoples' faces, their impatience, their aggression - their unhappiness.
Stop this world - I want to get off!