Christmas Island

This morning, I was just stepping out of my house when I overheard an elderly couple asking for directions to take bus no.63. I volunteered to take them cos I was going the same way. They were here to visit Tiong Bahru market because today is the official opening ceremony. But they got lost while trying to find their way back. The uncle said somehow they kept walking in circles around the apartment blocks, which looked very similar to them, for the last one hour. Poor thing! They looked so tired and frustrated. I was just wondering why they didn't ask for directions earlier. That would spare them all the trouble.

Anywayz, we kept talking until their bus arrived. Our conversation ran from how nice Tiong Bahru neighbourhood is, how strong the structure of those old flats are, how there was a cinema at Kim Tian he used to patronise with his dad , how kids these days live such complicated lives compared to the past...

I was pleasantly surprised to know that uncle was born on Christmas Island! He must be in his late 60's now. He told me how life on that island was really pleasant and peaceful. He came over to Singapore with his parents after we sold the Island to Australia. It is now an Australian Territory.

This is such an interesting encounter to me. I've never met anyone from Christmas Island! The only thing I know about this Island is that it has red crabs and their migration is quite amazing to watch. I bet most Singaporeans my generation and younger know close to zilch about that Christmas Island, much less that it was a part of the Singapore Colony till 1958.

I checked out Christmas Island's website. I think it's really a very cool place. My kind of place - sun, sea, sand, looooots of nature and very few people! The heritage and culture must be so unique. I have added it to my "MUST GO" list. http://www.christmas.net.au/index.php