On my way home from school yesterday, I noticed the usual lunch-time crowds
returning to the office after their hasty lunch at cafes, stalls or
restaurants either in groups walking along or in their cars caught in a
traffic jam.
I was particularly interested in a group of young office girls, all
dressed smartly, chatting and laughing as they emerged from a cafe by the
sidewalk. To me, they appeared to be beauty contestants as they were wearing
striking outfits and their faces were beautifully made up. Some of them
stopped at a roadside stall, buying freshly-cut local fruits such as papaya
and pineapple which they bought and took along in plastic bags.
As I was passing a crowded shopping complex, I saw mainly housewives and
their children, loaded with parcels, coming out of the building to get a
taxi home.
An eager group of young school children was seen surrounding the Magnolia
ice-cream man who was doing a roaring business as it was a hot day. The
children were happily eating their ice-cream of various flavors and
colors.
Next, I passed by a stall selling durians
piled high by the roadside. Many people were picking their choice and
bargaining for a good price but the fruit vendor did not seem interested in
entertaining them. Then there was a medicine-pusher
squatting on the sidewalk displaying his merchandise to the
crowd of curious spectators milling
around him.
Soon, I found myself on a quiet road leading to my house. It was a relief
to be home again. |