A Spark Ignited
“A Spark Ignited” by Denzil Jayasinghe recounts the author’s childhood yearning for toys and his eventual discovery of affordable model kits in 1970s Dubai. The narrative highlights how these kits, particularly a Tamiya model ship, reignited his childhood wonder and provided an outlet for his imagination amidst the bustling city. The detailed process of assembling the ship in his small apartment reflects the author’s newfound passion for model building, representing a personal triumph and a connection to his childhood dreams. The excerpts also showcase other articles by Denzil, revealing topics such as Sri Lankan food, Dubai city life, and family anecdotes.
The relentless Dubai sun beat down on my neck as I wove through the throngs of people in the bustling marketplace. The year was 1978, a time of immense change in this land of sand and opportunity. Yet, amidst the cacophony of haggling vendors and chattering crowds, a pang of nostalgia struck me. It took me back to a far simpler time in Sri Lanka when toys were not just trinkets but companions on grand adventures.
During the nascent years of my primary education, a yearning for a bounty of toys burrowed within my heart. Automobiles, ships, and aeroplanes that soared through the blue sky held an enchanting allure. Yet, it was the promise of faraway lands offered by the aeroplanes and ships that truly ignited my fascination.
However, the stark contrast between these dreams and my reality was a constant ache. My sole companion was a trusty but diminutive metallic lorry, a cherished friend from primary school. Those dreams seemed destined to wither away in a country with limited means, a sentiment mirrored by countless others whose aspirations were similarly out of reach.
The winds of fate, however, conspired to bring a sliver of hope as I embarked on my young adult years. Fresh-faced and barely in my twenties, I strutted down the streets of Dubai after work, a world away from my childhood in Sri Lanka. By sheer happenstance, I stumbled upon a shop that stocked a treasure trove of self-assembly kits, a mere stone’s throw from my workplace. Its glass windows were a kaleidoscope of colour, each miniature marvel vying for my attention — aeroplanes, cars, buses, ships and even fighter jets, all waiting to be brought to life.
I was instantly captivated. Every day, as if performing a ritual, I would detour past the shop, nestled discreetly in a side lane off Al Fahidi Street. With wide-eyed wonder, I would devour the intricate details of each model — destroyer tanks, sleek racing cars, fighter jets soaring through cotton wool clouds, passenger planes promising exotic destinations, and even miniature ships that beckoned me to embark on imaginary voyages.
The beauty was that each kit was surprisingly affordable, priced between ten to fifteen Dirhams, a sum well within my grasp. The shop itself was run by a kindly Iranian shopkeeper, ably assisted by his son, who, by chance, was around my age. On that first visit, I did not make a purchase. Instead, I allowed myself to be swept away on a wave of childhood nostalgia, my fingers tracing the contours of the beautifully crafted boxes in red and green, each emblazoned with the Tamiya logo or a hard-to-remember Swedish brand.
The shopkeeper’s son, perhaps sensing the longing in my eyes, watched me intently. I imagined him meticulously putting together these miniature marvels, breathing life into what was just a collection of plastic and metal. At that moment, I realised that these self-assembly kits were more than just toys; they were portals to a world of imagination where even the most fantastical dreams could take flight. I dreamt of cars, planes, and ships every night.
Inspired, I knew that on another day, I would return to the shop, not just to browse but to embark on a journey of my own creation. The dream of soaring through the sky on a miniature aeroplane or navigating a ship across a vast ocean suddenly felt within reach. The tiny shop, a treasure trove of potential, had reignited a spark of wonder within me, a reminder that imagination could still take flight even in the heart of a bustling city.
The Ship in the Apartment
The day I bought the Tamiya model ship set is in my memory. The friendly salesman, perhaps sensing a kindred spirit in my quest for miniature marvels, patiently helped me choose the perfect kit. Back in the cramped confines of my tiny apartment, meal forgotten, I eagerly tore open the box.
A world of pure enchantment lay inside, nestled amongst the cardboard shavings. The miniature parts, laid out on an instruction sheet that resembled a cryptic treasure map, promised a journey of meticulous assembly. A tiny tube of glue, labelled with the fantastical claim that it could mend even broken hearts, completed the treasure trove.
With the reverence of a scholar deciphering ancient scrolls, I pored over the instructions. Each part was carefully removed, including a tiny plastic hull, a slender mast, and a deck with intricate details — all waiting to be transformed. The task demanded focus and quiet defiance against the relentless hum of the city outside my window and the sound of the noisy air conditioner.
An hour melted away like butter under the unforgiving Dubai evening sun. Slowly but surely, the ship began to take shape. Despite its lofty claims, the glue proved a fickle friend, leaving occasional white scars on my clumsy fingers. Yet, frustration gave way to a quiet sense of satisfaction as the ship emerged from the chaos of parts.
It sat on my desk, a masterpiece a few inches long, a testament to my perseverance and a newfound love for model building. It was my first foray into the world of engineering, a solitary achievement in the bustling heart of Dubai. I knew this newfound passion would blossom in the coming months, fuelled by the thrill of creation and the promise of a world waiting to be built, one miniature model at a time.
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