History and Change

It's been a tradition on my maternal side of my extended family to have frequent gatherings at my grandmother's flat. Inside this flat was filled with childhood memories ranging from living as a home to a place to rekindle family connections. The eighteen years past by quickly and they will never be the same ever again. At the end of the summer, my grandmother and my great aunt will be moving to Mei Foo. Technically more convenient as it is next to the MTR and has an elevator, however it's smaller and will not be able to fit the whole family in. 

The dynamics within the household has changed immensely. Since I was born till the age of ten I believe – I was the youngest grandchild. I had all the attention. The family soon bigger and bigger as my much younger cousins were born. I guess it's always been odd that I'm in the middle of everything. With cousins that are at least ten years older and younger – my interactions with my cousins differ. Not that it was a bad thing, I just grew up differently. (:

Back to the point of the blog post. Moving out of this flat soon means that there is the claiming of different items that have been left over the years. The flat was originally a textile factory owned my late grandfather. My mother has lived in it since the age of twelve, meaning lots of history went down in the current flat. Although another story to delve into later the point is that we found treasures within that have been long forgotten.

The most notable find was a portrait of my late great grandmother and a wedding portrait of my grandmother and grandfather. Most of the photos found were the classic black and white taken in the mid-50s. Ancient and beautiful. The original frame that they once hung in were intact and the quality of the photo has not changed one bit. It goes to show how back in the "olden days" things were made with outstanding quality.

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Today, one of the last chances to also say au revoir to some relatives as they travel abroad. It'll be less than a year till I'm back so no frets. It's a matter of saying thanks over the years, and completely unnecessary to shower gifts. Perhaps university is seen as a much bigger things these days. Who knows. The only reminder is now I have to pack some extra things - not that it matters since I haven't started yet.