It happens to everyone, they reach a certain age and nostalgia for the halcyon days of their youth sets in.
Many things can set off a trip down memory lane; a smell or a flavour but very often it is seeing the toys and games one played as a child with “the gang” that bring back the happy memories.
Here are few that most Malaysians would remember.
1. Guli
Remember these? Cool-to-the-touch glass marbles with impossibly swirly colours in the middle. They come in bulk, but everyone swore theirs were unique and special. Sometimes, they were more fun to look at than to play with.
2. Pop Pop
Otherwise known as Bang Snaps, this iconic “firework” is a favourite among young children and the young at heart. The innocent looking onion-like beads pack an explosive punch. Not to worry, these little crackers are designed to be completely safe, even if they are popped in the hand. Perfect for pranks, entertainment and good old-fashioned fun! Remember the smell of sawdust in the fingers at Chinese New Year from digging into the cardboard box they came in?
3. Jutawan
Quintessentially Malaysian, this Monopoly-inspired board game simultaneously brought families together and tore them apart.
Malaysian-centric properties, glossy hotels and dreams of the high rent paying tenant are sure to bring out the hidden real estate tycoon. The road to riches awaits…
4. Snakes and Ladders
Up, Up, Up…D’oh! This classic family-friendly game tests patience to the limit with its quick ups and fast downs. This mildly addictive game also tests one’s faith in the luck of the toss.
The satisfaction of rolling perfect combinations with the dice to quickly climb to the top is great, but be careful of ending up at the mouth of a serpent and lose all that progress!
But take it from experienced players – sliding down beautifully coloured snakes will distract from any sense of losing. It may be even more fun that way. Wheee!
5. Congkak
The very traditional Congkak is a friendly game for all. The goal is to get all the beads into the other person’s “home box”.
This casual, slow-paced game conjures up memories of a scenic, tranquil kampong. Most boards come with plastic or wooden beads, but some use glass or gem beads.
6. Pick Up Sticks
Steady hands and a lot of patience are key to winning this game. You will never look at a bundle of fallen sticks in the same again as you have to poke, flip, balance and flick your way to victory in this ancient game of puzzle-solving.
Picking up after oneself has never been more fun.
7. Card Games
Old Maid, Donkey, Happy Family, Nap… These classic decks of cards are sure to bring back some fond memories.
These floppy cardboard cards with their iconic artwork, dusty colours and tendency to bend no matter how hard one tries to shuffle them straight, were a staple for any road trip.
Precious relics of the past. Those who recall a few of these games should consider themselves blessed to have had a wonderfully Malaysian childhood. Remember that while waiting impatiently in line at the launch of Playstation5.