As the Sun lowered itself, ushering in a cool evening breeze, the two brothers walked along the shady tree-covered pathway of Kensington Park Road. It was close to dinner and they were deciding where to go.
The two brother discussed amongst themselves and decided that "Chomp Chomp", the most famous hawker centre in Serangoon Gardens, would be the place to go. Brightly lit and adorned with a cacophony of choruses, like a carnival of culinary pleasures, Chomp Chomp's low zinc roofs - burning hot in the day - allowed the cool twillight breeze to soothe hungry diners. Aromatic accents filled the air - the smoky fragrance of freshly fried hokkien noodles, herbal scent of freshly brewed mutton soup, and the heady mix of western barbequed meats and potato chips.
Feeling a little extravagant today, both brothers ordered bowls of turtle soup with rice. As they wolfed down its medicinal intoxicating goodness, they glanced around the hawker centre and noticed some of their friends patronising the outlets too. Friendly chats intermingled with the symphonies of a hundred open kitchens, with the grinding of ice by the ice kachang machine harmonising with the clang of iron spatulas on huge woks.
After a warm, humid and sweaty dinner, the brothers decided to take a walk to Maju Avenue and to cool down in the cavernous NTUC Fairprice outlet there. Along the way, they crossed the zebra crossing on Kensington Park Road and mused at the 217 bus skirting the perimeters of the Serangoon Garden Circus. They also caught a whiff of the "world's best" kueh tutu along the way, its coconut and gula melaka fragrance distracting all but the sternest of hearts.
In the evening light, school kids from the neighbouring estate - the "Cooling Close" Convent, Serangoon Garden South and North School, and Serangoon Garden Technical School - gathered in groups. Some bought packet drinks of pineapple juice with sweet pieces of pineapple in them to slake their thirst. The younger ones patronised the "mama shop" at the corner, chewing little pink strips of Marukawa Bubble Gum, and buying little "kuti kuti" plastic toys.
Others, the older secondary school boys and girls, walked into the amusement arcade at the back of the NTUC Fairprice supermarket, shooting at Space Invaders or gobbling flashing dots with their Pac Men. Smiling in glee with much surreptitious pleasure, they know that they ought to be going home to do their home work instead of wasting their shillings on electronic pastimes. Still, there isn't quite a feeling like beating one's high score!
After passing the Paramount Cinema, amusement arcade and a pet shop around the corner, the brothers ventured into the air-conditioned comfort of the NTUC supermarket. Stacked with rows upon rows of goodies, the aisles of the supermarket was like a playground, with familiar corners and rows that one may choose to venture into. Twisting and turning around the corners, much to the chagrin of the supermarket staff, the brothers decided to play a quick game of hide-and-seek.
Yes, life was good as a primary school kid in the good old Serangoon Gardens!