This memorable photo for the family album to show to the family, relatives, colleagues and friends and everyone all over the world on Facebook.  (From left to right:  Lina Catcat, Hercules Lim, Lam Chun See, James Tann).  The photo was taken at one of the little known reservoirs in Singapore … Pandan Reservoir.  The well known reservoirs are MacRitchie, Pierce and Seletar.

This is more than just a heritage blog to share with everyone.

It offers a sunny morning on November 21, 2014 for a small group of “Friends of Yesterday” (FOYers) to get together for a few hours for fellowship to renew our friendship, walk, talk and blog to share our Singapore memories and had lots of fun.  Memories for every generation to remember the places, people and events among young and old to add information and stories for some others who did not know.

This blog is also educational and informative for young students to learn from the heritage blogs, especially from our veteran bloggers Lam Chun See. published bestseller writer of “Good Morning Yesterday” blog and blogger James Tann of “Princess Elizabeth Estate” blog who specialise in World War II history and old maps of Singapore.

Lina Catcat and Hercules Lim are our blog contributors of heritage photos, stories and memories to share and enhance our blogs.

Why a “journey to the west”?

No, not one of the four great Chinese classic novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty, “Journey to the West” [西游记]。

The five of us in the group are living in other parts of Singapore, not the west.  However, Chun See have vivid memories of Jurong where he once worked for many years.

The “memory journey” was initiated by Chun See and invited us to get together.  As most of us are busy with tight schedule for business, social, family or church activities throughout the week, it is not often that we had the chance to meet in person.

On this “once in a blue moon meetup” is indeed a rare opportunity for our favorite “hobbies”.

Thanks to a blessed sunny day, it was a day well-spent together.  Chun See to fetch us in his new car around the place, new camera to test the photos, and James Tann to bring us to a new food place for a treat of “mountain ice-balls” which was new to us.  We appreciate the generous “cool and fun” treat from James Tann.  Chun See, James Tann and I remember our “ice-ball” days during the 1960s in Singapore.

Chun See licking the “mountain of ice-kachang” with joy and delight  …..

Teban Gardens

Its been over a decade since I last visited Teban Gardens, where I once worked in 1980s.  So much have changed the physical landscape in the place.  Opposite the Teban Market, the banners are welcome news to visitors and residents in this constituency.

Teban Gardens is a matured and aged HDB housing estate. In the 1960s, most pioneer residents work in the Jurong industrial estate to work closer to home for convenience and to save on travelling expenditures.

Many non-Singaporeans who work in Jurong prefer to continue their jobs, got their Singapore citizenship, became married and build their families without leaving Teban Gardens.

The residents have taken root in a self-contained heartland far away from town.  Whatever their daily needs in Teban Gardens are available for young and old.  Their children attend nearby schools and recreational amenities in the area.

All the neighbours have grown up together as a closely-knit community to live, work and play in peace and harmony, regardless of race, language or religion … no different from every constituency wherever they stay in Singapore.

During the journey in Chun See’s car, he revived his fond nostalgic memories of Teban Gardens and shared interesting personal heritage stories with us.

It was news to me as I roamed around the place.  As for me, I walked around the place like in a daze …..

Hercules exchanged notes with James Tann about Teban Gardens once upon a time …..

Arrived at Teban Market for a late breakfast.

Chun See and Hercules posting the latest photos to their Facebook timeline for everyone to share.

Demolition of over 30-year-old HDB flats at Teban Gardens for “remaking” the older estates in Singapore.

Thimbuktu with an expression of thought moments of the demolition of the flats at Teban Gardens … but I know that the newer flats would be developed and built for the benefit of the younger generations in future.

Chun See could not resist the temptation of the “hot from the oven” loaf of bread, and the aroma of the freshly baked bread to bring home for the family.   Many years ago, he would buy the bread from this shop daily when he was working in Jurong.

James Tann just watching and getting the free smell (aroma… just kidding) of the freshly baked breads.  Smells good, but not too sure about the taste though.

The bakery shop assistant pointed to me the poster on the wall and sternly warned me not to take photos in the shop.

Teban Market

Frozen Seafood 

Teban Food Centre

The former railway track to Jurong

We recce the isolated and undeveloped areas near the former rail track at the Teban Gardens with bushes and trees.

Chun See pointed out to us the location of the former train track from the former Tanjong Pagar railway station to the Jurong industrial estate to transport bulky cargo goods to and through the factories.  The trains were not used for carrying passengers.

MrAng and his pet parrot Gordon

At the Teban Food Court, I met a friendly resident, Mr Ang. He had a pet parrot perched on his left shoulder with only a short chain tied to his arm.

Gordon would not fly away as Mr Ang was buying breakfast home. Gordon is about 10 years old and able to talk. However, Gordon would not response to talk to me because I am a stranger 😦

Isn’t it wonderful to keep a colorful talking parrot like Gordon as a pet!