Lynette Kirby
1970-1972 Year 3A,4A,5X

Lyn lived in Penang January 1970 to July 1972. Addresses: 1E Jalan Pantai Molek, Tanjong Tokong then moved to 7 Jalan Oldham, Tanjong Bungah.

Friends, Playmates & Neighbours I recall: Debbie Mears, Susan Scrivener, Alane Hullah, Meredith Hart (her father was a teacher in the Primary Dept.), Leanne Harmer, the Phelans, the McLenahans (they had 6 boys), the Schwarz family (lived next door).

Memories: Far too many and all in Technicolor....rambutans straight from the tree; the wonderful mini-kampong-style cubby-house our gardener, Nadisan, built for us in the back yard; the cubby-house becoming our dog's nesting place; rescuing our dog's puppies from the monnie-drains around the house; the Snake Temple; the Chinese Opera in the street; the moon-cakes at Chinese New Year; Chinese funerals, and graves piled with food-offerings and incense; spears through the men's cheeks and down their bodies for the annual Thaipusam festival; sacrificing the goat before the fire-walking ceremony; hermit crabs on the beach; beaches with no high-rise; escorts on the school buses; Communist flags flying on the hillside; movies at the 'Hosty' and at Penang Pool; squat-toilets at the Chinese pool; stinking durian on the school bus; the yearly excursion around the island that took all day and ended with a picnic on the beach; digging for pippies on the shore; our Amah, Letchumi from the Hindu village; red and green glass bangles flecked with gold (we thought we were little Indian princesses); innoculations and the common playground question - "Had ya 'jabs' yet?" - always say No or get thumped on the arm; endless Summer; a lifestyle unencumbered with TV, telephone etc... ; fantastic sunsets; fantastic childhood - was it really only 2 1/2 years?

Now living in the mountains (a simple Asian-styled life) 45 min. from Taree, NSW. in a long-term relationship with no children by choice. - working as a high school teacher; abseiling instructor (co-owner/operator of 'Peak Experiences' adventures in abseiling and canyoning); part-time artist (still hopeful).