The life of a cafe operator

Nice to be your own boss, or slave.

Migrated to Australia on 10th February 1981
Returned to Singapore 10 February 1991

This portion was about life in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia



The day begin at 4.30am. Drove my 3litres Suzuki hatchback. Mucus flowed from the eyes due to only 3 hrs sleep per night. Upon arrival at the cafe water heater is switched on, gas pilots lights were turn on. All the Bain Marie were turned on. The cold items were put on the counter. Dessert were on the chiller display fridge. Bacon, ham, sausages were put in the salamander to be grilled. Scamble eggs were cook on top of the gas stove, eggs were cooked. By half past five every item were ready. At six the que were at the door. Business was very good. There was only one thing wrong, I was the chef, the dish washer, the cleaner and also the waiter. My brother was the cashier, the manager, and the public relation officer. Also his job was to deposit the day taking in his bank account. He was nowhere to be found until the shop open at 11.30am for lunch. He vanished again after the lunch. The wash was done by me. The roast was done by my brother, leave in the oven and vanished. The oven has timer that switched the oven off. I did the stews, the veggies, the potato. The worst job was washing up. Washing was my job. My ankles, were very painful due the the long hours standing, stollened and I was unable to walk.
The day finished at 0130hrs at night. Went home clean up the body and to bed. There was a overworked and under paid situation, my brother need cash. He secretly sent money to his girl friend to finance support her holiday. I was paid $500 per month for the hours I put into the cafe. I have a home and land repayment. The car repayment, bills for the water, electric insurance payment and my children school fee. I had to feed my family with the money. I had to ask for more money. Each time my brother told me he need cash!!!

I do not wish to question my brother, I found a job and inform my brother my family need money too.

Such is life, love for a sibling and family goes on, a solution, instead of a conflict save the day.