Photo-Archiving my past

Anyone who knows me enuf will know that I like local history. Probably came about as a form of psychological escapism due to being inept at keeping up with Singapore's pace of life.

Sometimes, just looking at resource materials that depict images or description of buildings, places I've been to or even everyday tools that was used when I were little, just gives me a sense of deep nostalgic relief. Albeit for only a short moment. I can even see and feel myself in another particular time and place in the past just by listening to a song that was popular at that point in time. The sensation evoked was so real to all five senses. Perhaps that is one of the ways of "looking" through the mind's eye.

The only constant is change and that is especially true of our island state. I do not like it, in fact I hated it. No place remains vaguely familiar (maybe with exceptions like Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh ave 8, if you get what I mean ;P) for more than 3 years.
True Heritage sites are rare. Even if they are there, it will be reconstructed and sterilized until it is soooo tourist friendly that it no longer have the original feel to the place. Truely if I was to return after a 5 yrs stint abroad, the feeling of "coming home" will not be there. Or at least until the next time I hear the beep from the IU unit in a car. I'm sure that is one noise that will haunt all Singaporean driver forever.

Lucky for most of us, we'll be too busy working our ass off trying to pay off our First World lifestyle to be noticing trivia matters such as our roots and heritage.

Yes no reminder needed..... limited land resource, everything must be on the constant upgrade...... keep our economy competitive and relevant. To keep ourselves in the first world category......blah blah or we will live in slums... It's all for the greater good.

Gotta keep telling myself that..

Since sometime last yearI notice that there is a resurgence of interest in reconstructing and accommodating old buildings that were left abandoned for many years. Some for decades. Must be somehow linked to the property market and SLA rulings.

I am currently on the rush to Photo-Archive all old buildings and places deemed for 'urban-renewal'. So many places so little weekends. At least that is the only thing I can do to preserve the memories of places in my past. There are quite a few places I was too late to photo-archive. If only I took up photography earlier. Well no use lamenting. Keep Snapping.

Will post a few of the pics here next time!