Every day after dinner, I would cry and pester my parents to bring me downstairs to ride the “20 cents” car. Those were the times when technology had not invaded the children’s world of games and entertainment and kiddy rides were considered one of the best toys. For a few minutes and a small fee, riding on the moving crafted animals or vehicles, singing and moving along with the nursery rhymes were the happiest experience for children in the 90s. That was the promise of a kiddy ride, a toy that brought joy to us and relief for our parents and grandparents. No matter how long we had to wait in the queue for our turn, our wait was worthwhile.

 

Many years have passed, and kiddy rides are no longer as popular as they once were. Like the forgotten toys in "Toy Story", it seems that these rides have outgrown their time. The sight of such kiddy rides outside the shops and supermarkets has almost disappeared. For a while now, we have been so enthralled by the world of electronic gadgets. Kids nowadays are no longer interested in moving rides, no matter how fanciful the characters or how vibrant the colours. The majority of these rides were abandoned years ago and for the handful, that are left, the days pass with barely a rocking movement or the jingle of a nursery rhyme.

 

Here I am in 2013, as if time-travelling to the past, searching for a kiddy ride shop. These photographs are an invitation for you to come along for the ride as well.