Singapore Skyline, circa 1980 Photo by Barry Epstein
There was a live in maid which was typical of the life in Singapore. The maid was treated well and was like a family member. I always remember the bathroom as it was a bit weird because as you took a shower, the entire floor and toilet got wet and there was a drain in the middle of the bathroom. Singapore back then, around 1980, was very charming with its old Chinese heritage buildings and culture. One day they took me to snake street where I remember seeing all of these white bags along the sides of the street and I saw something poking in each bag. One person opened a bag and there was a venomous cobra snake inside that came partially out of the bag. Down the street was a market where I saw and photographed hanging snakes, bats, turtles and more. The experience of Singapore was fantastic and it was such a pleasure to meet and enjoy Mimi’ s family and some of her friends that I met.
Clockwise: MyBrother-inLaw, Sister-in-Law, Roslyn, Mimi Photo by Barry Epstein
Just before we were to leave, Mimi’ s sister came up to me and pulled me aside. She looked me in the eyes and told me that if I didn’ t take good care of Mimi that she would do something about it. I was taken by surprise of this aggressiveness and outright threat but
I eventually shrugged it off. I had later learned that this was her nature as she was very protective of Mimi and I was not to take it too seriously. The bottom line was Mimi’ s sister had officially given her approval of me and which meant that Mimi and I were going to be wed.
Singapore now is a super modern booming city that is called the oasis of the orient. For me though, it became too sterile and upscale lost its old world charm. If you want to see some vintage buildings, you must go to China Town area which is a very small segment.
Snake Street, Singapore Photo by Barry Epstein
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