Lisa Scott
1983-1984
Email: lisa_vidler71@hotmail.com

 

I have read the memories of a number of people who were fortunate to visit Penang as part of the RAAF family and we all seem to share a common feeling. We all seem to recognise now how wonderful it was to have lived in Malaysia and that the experience was one to be cherished for the rest of our lives.

Of course it didn't necessarily feel that way while we were living there! Pining for home, noticing the things we thought we were missing; English speaking television programs, Aussie lollies etc, etc. Little did we know then that the experiences we were having far outweighed anything we might have missed from home.

I loved going to the Penang Swimming Club and looking back now, how lucky we were to have been members of such a fantastic facility. Wish we had something like that here! We spent many weekends at the pool and I couldnt think of any other way I would want to have whiled away those days.

Going to the movies at the Hostie, meeting friends there, watching Dad play volleyball, checking out the latest pirated videos and generally just hanging at a place which was the social hub for the RAAF community on Penang. Sad to think it is no longer what it was, but that was what memories are all about.

I had my first kiss in Malaysia and yes, I do remember who it was with and where, but that is information I won't divulge! We had some great Socials every term and each one with a theme. They were great fun.

I know my life pretty much revolved around music during our time on Penang. We had the RAAF School Radio at recess and lunchtimes and RAAF Radio Butterworth (RRB) to listen to after school and on weekends. I did my homework with the radio on, I shut my door and listened to the radio at night, when there was nothing on television. The radio was a way for us kids separated by the waters of the Malacca Strait to remain in contact via special song requests.

Our amah, Lah, sometimes would have friends and family over to watch Bollywood videos. This was on evenings when my parents would go out and my brother and I were at home. Needless to say, I didn't fancy sitting and watching a movie in Indian (without subtitles), so had retire to my room with my trusty radio.

My friends and I used to go up to the dam behind the school for the deaf, which was supposed to be off limits. Like if that wasn't waving a red flag at a bull! The water was clear and cool. Much nicer than the so-called beaches, which were a bit far for us to ride our bikes to anyway.

The time I spent on Penang I will never forget and I hope to one day return and take my own family to show them where I spent some of my younger years. It would be great to see what has changed and to reminisce about the fun times I had there.

Hi to anyone out there who remembers me. If anyone would like to send me an email I'm sure I'd remember you and I'd be happy to reply.

Cheers,
Lisa
August 2002