28 May 2010

Turtle Eggs Anyone?

On one holiday trip to Singapore visiting a favourite aunt in the 1970s, EJ spotted a cute wind-up plastic baby turtle displayed in a shop and promptly bought it. And have kept it ever since.

EJ was born at home by the beach. The beaches were clean, the waters crystal clear and the air was fresh. EJ's driver was a trishaw man.

As a child, EJ grew up on turtle eggs because EJ loved eating it. There were lots of turtles then, including eggs.

Afraid to be chided by the grownups for eating too many eggs, EJ would carefully pinch off the soft shell making as tiny a hole as possible, slowly suck the contents out and then gently blow air into it to puff the soft shell up before placing it back in the pot.

The last time EJ ate turtle eggs was when EJ was twenty plus visiting the aunt who moved to Singapore. Being the aunt who brought EJ up, she knew how much EJ loved turtle eggs. She brought EJ to the wet market and insisted on buying. EJ could not turn her down out of respect but EJ asked one question as to where the eggs came from. The seller, an Indonesian, replied that it was from Indonesia. Secretly, EJ was relieved.

Then EJ's aunt proceeded to cook, presented the eggs and sat down to watch EJ eat.

EJ had a tough time!

Those eggs somehow looked rather small and unappetising unlike the ones from the hometown. It was extremely difficult to swallow as EJ felt as though baby turtles were trying its best to crawl up the throat. Could it be imagination or guilt? EJ had to act like enjoying eating those eggs when in actual fact EJ was suffering. And EJ kept self-consoling silently that the eggs were not from the hometown and these would be the absolute last in life.

And it was!

A little over 10 years later, EJ went back. This time to the islands and there EJ was absolutely happy.

On one of the many trips there, EJ had the opportunity to play with hundreds, not one or two or three but hundreds and hundreds of newborn turtles in a turtle sanctuary.

It was pure bliss.

By then EJ was already a vegetarian -- absolutely guilt free!

16 comments:

Jacqueline said...

EJ's absolute love of animals is a strong testament to his kind heart and good character...Happy Friday sweet friends...xo...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Old Kitty said...

Awwww!

The little plastic turtle is lovely and holds so many memories!

I'm glad the turtles are being helped now to hatch and grow and live out their precarious and delicate lives in the seas!

What a lovely way to be born EJ!

take care
x

Ellen Whyte said...

glad you've given them up.

Cezar and Léia said...

I love all turtles, I think I could not eat eggs and it's nice to know you are vegatarian now!
I like so much the way you write, congratulations, your stories are adorable!
purrs
Happy weekend
Luna - WE LOVE LUNA

lupie said...

:) What a lovely plastic turtle!

Thank you for sharing your memories with us!

Al said...

Nice post! Your story reminds me of the Turtle Islands here in the Philippines where turtle eggs are being protected by the locals, they used to catch them at eat. But now, they were informed about their importance so the island at present is one of the most visited places by the tourists.

Marg said...

EJ, you are a true animal lover and that is just wonderful. We loved the turtle story but could not have eaten the eggs. Glad you got to go back and visit your home.
Have a wonderful week end Chair.

Annie Bear said...

I love this story. You always have such tales to tell. It's so nice to be guilt free, isn't it?

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

xxxxxxx

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What a wonderful rich story.
We are so glad that you found your answer about the baby turtles...

purrs
>^,,^<
Abby

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I cant immagine eating turtle eggs. Glad EJ found the baby turtles, Lovely story.. HUgs GJ x

meowmeowmans said...

Oh, we are so glad that EJ's love for animals won out in the end. Great story!

wenn said...

never tried turtle's eggs before..don't think i will ever try it..

Razzer said...

Turtles - plastic or real - look intelligent..like they know who u r and wot u think.
Dont u think so?

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Good day!Interesting story!
Beautiful toy.

Drunk On Books And Adventure said...

Am glad you've given up on turtle eggs or I'd have to clobber you! :P