How does the kampong of yesterday, where yg grew up in, compare to the last remaining kampong in Singapore today? There are indeed some subtle changes to the way ‘kampong life’ is lived now, then it was a generation ago. Plants, environmental systems, security and racial makeup are some of the changes that he observes in Kampong Buangkok today.

those days, we hardly grew our plants in earthern pots. we either planted them directly in the ground or we used metal tins to contain the plants. we grew plants not for decoration but for their practical utility. in our kampong plots, we grew mainly herbal plants and fruit trees but not so much flowering plants like orchids, hibiscus or bougainvillea.

He also reflects on the juxtaposition of the urban and rural landscapes: Kampong Buangkok is within sight of high-rise HDB flats (arguably our Kampongs of today) and private housing estate in Mugliston Park. I wonder what it feels like living in the threshold of yesterday and today.