I have lived here ever since I was four . Growing up here , I have developed sentimental feelings for this place , a sense of familiarity and love – Dakota Crescent is my childhood sweetheart ! 10 I used to share a three-room flat with my parents and six siblings . With five cents in my hand , I would run with my siblings to the nearby roadside huts at Old Airport Road and purchase stationery . Now , I am the only one left here .
Last time , you can hear the quacking of ducks below , and even see baby crocodiles in the Geylang River . Now you don ’ t see these things anymore . 11 You see when I open my window , I can see the river , I can see the planes landing Open space , very open . I will miss the relaxed atmosphere and the scenary . 12
I left Singapore to work overseas for about 20 years . Coming back home , I still chose to live at Dakota Crescent . There will be a place to settle in after passing many destinations in life , because only that place can truly give me a sense of belonging . I grew up together with Singapore , witnessed it evolving , changing and eventually turning half a century old . 10 The residents here are extremely close-knit . We would invite our neighbours to our homes for meals whenever we see each other .
My primary school is gone , my secondary school is gone , now the place that I grew up , it is going to be flat . Places like Dakota Crescent are an asset . It is very sad , because buildings like these , you can touch and feel . 12
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