With our measly allowances and unreasonable curfews, there weren't really many places we could hang out at after school.

That's why we find ourselves going back to these same 7 places again and again. And again.

1. KFC

#NotSponsoredContent. This was our favourite lunch spot because $5 student meal. And yes, we will always top-up $1.20 to upgrade our side to cheese fries.

2. Far East Plaza

It didn't matter to us that the clothes they sold looked like cheap rip-offs (e.g. New Future denim shorts) because Far East Plaza was the only place in town we could afford to buy clothes from, especially our prom clothes - that's why we can't help but cringe when we look at our prom photos now.

3. King Albert Park

Everyone died a little inside when King Albert Park was no more because what they took away is not just a McDonald's or Island Creamery. Gone also were memories of our late-night mugging sessions and after-exams-celebratory ice-cream.

4. Arcades

Inside any schoolboy's school bag was a t-shirt because going straight to the arcade after school was a routine.

It was also the reason why so many of them were broke because it was not cheap to upkeep a Bishi Bashi, Daytona and Time Crisis lifestyle.

5. The library

Oddly, nobody seemed to be able to study at home. Even now. That is why when the exams are nearing, the libraries will always be filled to the brim. If you didn't queue up like everybody else did, then good luck trying to find an empty power socket let alone a seat.

6. Rooftop Garden

This was where we learnt our friends' most intimate secrets from the many heart-to-heart talks (or better known as HTHT) we had there.

It was also where we went if our clique couldn't decide on a place to eat; get your own food and meet 30 minutes later.

7. Tuition Centres

All of us either had a friend like this or was that friend:

"Go out this Friday lei!"

"Cannot. Got tuition."

"Saturday?"

"Tuition."

"Wah lao eh! Sunday?"

"Tuition..."

--

Sure, we didn't have much money or places to go, but oddly, it was the happiest time of our lives.

We made do with what little we had and the few places we were allowed to go, because it was a simpler time and what really mattered to use was the people we were with.

That's why, we cannot help but smile when we look back at these seven places because attached to them, are memories of a happier and simpler us.