My first recollection of my childhood is the day I toppled down the stairs when I was three years old. I was so upset that I cried and cried for nearly an hour in spite of my parents' attempts at comforting me. Finally, I quietened down when I was given ice-cream and chocolates. Luckily, I was not hurt.

My days were happy ones before I started going to school, as I had good neighbours to play with from morning till evening. We played games outdoors, dressed as cowboys and Red Indians and rode about on our tricycles happily. There were also other games to occupy our time.

At the age of five years, I had to attend kindergarten and this turned out to be quite an ordeal for me. To begin with, I felt very sad having to leave my mother and go off each morning to be amongst strangers. I cried and wanted my mother around, much to my teacher's displeasure. As the days went by, however, I made friends easily in class and found company. I became happy again and actually looked forward to leaving the house each morning.

I still remember those days when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell and bruised myself several times but I never gave up. Finally, I was able to join my friends going around the neighbourhood on my bike.

Another fond memory is the end-of-year concert held at the kindergarten. I was chosen to play the role of Jack in the play, 'Jack and the Beanstalk', and I became a celebrity overnight receiving lots of compliments for my performance.

I now realise what a wonderful childhood I have had and at times wish I could relive those days.