Patricia
Sparks
1971-1974;
1977-1979 Kindy Gr. 1, Gr 6M, 7
Email: t.sparks@bigpond.net.au
Memories! What can I say? First the incredible, indescribable first step off the plane at Butterworth in the middle of the night. The heat and humidity were unimaginable, I try to remember when I'm sweltering through Brisbane's hot summers.
My four siblings and I ranged in age from 6 weeks to 6 years that first trip, and I don't remember a lot about the experience. I do remember the 3 little girls next door, and eating condensed milk straight from the tin with them. It was wonderful to find however, that years later I met and became firm friends with a boy who was in my older sisters kindy and grade one classes on that trip. We are still great mates.
The second trip is much clearer. Those same three little girls were on our charter an the way back to penang, and although we did not live next door to each other this time, we may as well have! The Sparks tribe and the Kidd girls spent most of our lives together on that trip. Afternoons were at the Penang Swimming Club. Saturday mornings were at the Penang Swimming Club. After the club comp on Saturday morning we spent the rest of the weekend guess where? It's just occurred to me as I write that I have no idea when we did our homework! Did we have any?
Other memories include Mr McCubbery, my grade 6 teacher. As his was a 5-6 class my brother and I were both put into it. When Mr McCubbery told us that we could not both be in the same class he gave me the choice of staying or changing. My brother has never forgiven me. That was the year I received an award for Dux of the primary school, after a hard fought battle with Susan Davison, coincidentally a classmate from my previous school.
Obviously my clearest memories of that trip are of swimming, and the mates we made at the pool, some of whom I am still in touch with today. But my time in penang has instilled in me an abiding love of the Malay food. The Makan carts were a firm favourite, with satays to die for and the dish called Mertabah (not sure of the spelling there) and it has remained a constant source of regret that we cannot find anyone here in Oz to make that dish for us. If anyone knows of somewhere in Brisbane where I can get it let me know... the entire Sparks tribe will be forever in your debt.
We lived at Jalan Azyze that 2nd time around, just a few minutes walk to school, The My Cafe and Sherrifs store. Who could forget the ease of grocery shopping, with everyone delivering on motorbikes. Bring it back I say! I never got used to UHT milk and remember the anticipation of Grandma's trips from home with fresh Aussie Beef (how the heck did she get through customs with half a cow in her luggage?), and plenty of favourites like minties.
Another favourite was shopping at the Penang Emporium, and nights at the Hostie for movies and tea was always fun. Mud Crabs in the back yard, and dinner at the Eden on special occasions.
When I think back on that time I sometimes think that it was wasted on us kids. All we thought or talked about was getting "home". But as an adult with a child of my own who is around the same age I was then, I marvel at the life lessons we took for granted, and wish I could share them with him. We learnt tolerance (very important in this multi-cultural home of ours), and were exposed to a rich diversity of cultures with first-hand experiences of temples, religions, festivals and races.How many kids get that lucky? I like to think that our experiences "over there" have contributed to the kinds of people we are today.
Today I am a mother of one, a 14 year old boy. As well as working in insurance I am about to return to my studies to become a primary school teacher.(Unfortunately interrupted by illness, but I'll get there.) I have been inspired to update my story after coffee and reminiscences with Karen Kidd and Murray Muirhead recently. If anyone wants to contact any of the past students I am still in touch with; Karen & Kerri Kidd, Murray Muirhead, Phillip and Andrew Newman, feel free to email me and I will pass on your contact details. I am also sorry I did not follow up on any of the contacts I made at the Brisbane reunion a few years ago. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or any of my sibs.
One day, after I have graduated I will take my son to Penang, and show him the wonders of the place that I have such fond memories of.