When I was growing up, the world felt like a much safer and more carefree place. I have fond memories of riding my bike around the neighborhood and beyond, often venturing out alone or with Roy, my younger brother. I was around 9 or 10, and he was four years younger, yet our parents and maternal grandma never hesitated to let us explore. We’d pick flowers, cycle to nearby rivers, play with stray dogs and cats, and even wander into the jungle, without a care in the world.
One of the highlights of my childhood was visiting my dad’s hometown in Cameron Highlands. The atmosphere in Cameron Highlands back then was magical—far removed from the development and urbanization we see today. The air was cold, crisp, and pure. I vividly remember mist forming in front of our mouths as we spoke, a sign of just how chilly it used to be, circa early 1980s. It felt like a fairytale land, especially at Robinsons Falls, one of my favorite places.
At the tender age of 10 or 12, my parents allowed me and my brothers to hike to the waterfalls at Robinsons Falls in Camerons with no adult supervision. There was a sense of freedom and trust that children could safely explore nature’s beauty without any fear of danger. I once led a hike with my cousins, including Suzan, who was just 4 years old, to the waterfalls. Looking back, I can hardly believe the amount of freedom we were given. Kidnapping, getting lost in the jungle, or accidents—these fears never crossed my parents’ minds. We were left to enjoy our adventurous childhoods, wandering freely and embracing the wonders of the world around us.
Fast forward four decades, and things have drastically changed. It’s hard to imagine any parent allowing their pre-teens or even teens to hike into the jungle or visit a waterfall unsupervised today. The world feels different—less safe, more uncertain. My children, as much as I wish they could experience the carefree childhood I had, live in a world that feels more restrictive. They’ve never climbed a guava tree to pick guavas or helped their granny pluck wintermelons from a vine growing on that very tree. They’ve never caught tadpoles in the drain or given big black ants and worms elaborate “funerals,” complete with matchbox coffins and flower offerings.
Children today miss out on the innocent, spontaneous adventures that shaped my childhood. While technology and modern conveniences have given them new forms of entertainment, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the days when the world felt wide open and free. How I wish my kids could taste just a bit of the freedom I had, climbing trees, exploring jungles, and wandering through life without a care in the world.
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