Proud to be poor!

Though there were undeniably some dark spots in my childhood, I have always been proud of my past.

I'm proud that my family was poor. Though this may sound like a "sour grape" that my dad ain't as rich as the rest, but its true.
It taught me independence.
It taught me never to take things for granted.
It really make me appreciate the things around me.

My parents are the typically factory workers. They were too poor to continue studies, despite their good results.
Mum wanted to study medicine, but didn't have the means and ended up spending her years working for the same factory.
Dad wanted to be an architect, but ended up being an electrician and then a haulier driver for the same reason.

Life was poor but we were decently contented.
We never crave for anything extra. We purchased what we could afford and wanted nothing more. When you have low expectations, life is great.

I was given control of the keys during since primary 4, after granny went back to Malaysia. My parents were at work, so what better for a home alone boy do? No, I wasn't aware of porno or whatever then. All I wanted was to explore.

I went to see the world on my own after school hours. I had a fascination for buses. I memorised the bus guide, and was an avid collector of bus tickets. Yes, bus tickets are cheaper than toys, ok? I will make it a point to take all the different buses routes in Singapore and collect their tickets.

Buses that go to Jurong Industrial Estates were the most memorable. The place gave me the creeps. Chimneys, distillation plants etc... And the bus driver will ask me where I am going everytime I'm on the bus. And I will just say "Just want to see see look look". It was a loop bus service, so I will go one round.

Journeys to explore various interchanges were exciting. On a trip to Ghim Moh Interchange, I realised that I was lost. Time was tight, because I had skipped my tuition class (which is 2 hrs long), and had to reach home before Mum queries why I'm home so late. An elderly woman whom I had asked for directions gave me all her coins when she heard I was lost. I wanted direction, but ended up making a profit.

Thank you, old granny, wherever you are. All I know is that u live in Bedok and had come to Ghim Moh market.

And for those wondering whether I did end up taking all the different bus routes, I will say I tool abt 50% of all bus routes then. As for the remaining, I cheated by picking up bus tickets on the floor.

I am poor, but damn, I'm smart!