Merdeka Special - Padang Kota

Walking in the sea breeze

The other place is the Esplanade (also called Padang Kota).

The rather spindly casuarina trees in the top picture — taken in 1967 — have grown sturdier and the road seems wider now.

In fact, Gurney Drive definitely sees a whole lot more traffic now but little else has changed.

This is the place where you go to when you just want to turn your back on the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

You come here to look out to the sea and imagine a whole different life for yourself. And then you are recharged.