Learning to see my home in a new light

My Scholarship entry - Revisiting and Redefining A Place Called Home

MALAYSIA | Monday, 24 November 2014 | Views [194]

Take-away coconuts for a hot day which we can never escape despite the frequent heavy downpour; coconuts are wrapped in plastic bags for convenient carrying purposes as we quench our thirst with the refreshing coconut water. Almost everything in my home country can be taken-away (or in local colloquial terms, tapao). The fruit-seller would zealously chop the coconut open with a well-sharpened blade, creating an almost-pentagon shape and insert a straw. Then he wraps it up in a plastic bag for tapao.

My dearest grandmother would often welcome us with a smile when she remembers us; or when we bring along one of her favourite snacks: red bean paste steamed buns. Her once jet-black hair has faded into snow white hair; every wrinkle on her face documents close to a century worth of experiences.

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As night falls, the lights in every unit begin to light up. Each light represent a home with family and friends. From afar, these lights are like the guiding light of the lighthouse that brings each person back to their comfort zones called home. I grew up in a neighbourhood where everyone went on with their lives, oblivious to everyone else's. But here, it almost feels as if we live in a community of close proximity.

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Learning to see my home in a new light

My Scholarship entry - Revisiting and Redefining A Place Called Home

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