12.7.11

tanjong pagar railway station

singapore's historic train station recently closed much to the sadness of many who travelled often from here to kuala lumpur to penang to bangkok since its operation in 1932. i haven't been on this train or least had no memory of being on one. like many, we tried to get a ticket before the last train ride however they were all snapped up. many wanted to take a last trip down memory lane. the sultan of johor wanted to drive the last train out really badly because of sentimental reasons. and he did. his great grandfather had paved the way for the first train from malaysia into singapore back in 1932. i would have loved to be on that train. it's funny how we take for granted everyday things until it goes away.

8 comments:

  1. I love the smell of railroads, especially old ones, where the railroad ties are still made of wood. And the history behind them, it goes back so far and leaves me in awe. My 91 year old grandmother has told me stories of how special and magnificent it was to travel by train when she was a child. I wish I could go back in time to see what the trains and the travellers looked like!

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  2. i wish rail travel were still a truly viable option in this country...there is something so other world about it, no rushing, no traffic, no bad drivers to yell at. love the shots of the graffiti!

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  3. I especially love the 1th. It's so great.

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  4. Whenever I see railroads, the theme song for Stand By Me always come up. =)

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  5. what great photos Karen. i always get excited when you've posted. i haven't traveled by train since i was a child. i think i should consider this for my honeymoon :)

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  6. great eye for all the details here. i definitely get a sense of nostalgia from these shots.

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  7. Ansku, thanks for sharing I would have loved to hear your grandma's stories too :)

    Amanda, yes I know what you mean adn thanks!

    Thanks Kristin.

    Oh great Howie, now I have Stand By Me ringing in my head! :)

    Thank you Kitchu, what a sweet thing to say! Yes I think you should consider the train for honeymoon :)

    Thanks John and congratulations on your magazine shots!

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  8. These photos manage to be beautiful and evoke a sense of sadness and reverence for the past. Well done. :)

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