Van Kleef Aquarium? Now, that's a different kettle of fish!

Phrase of the day: (Different) Kettle of fish

I'm sure many of us are familiar with this English idiom, whose contemporary meaning is “This is a different matter from the one previously mentioned”.

This link below provides more insights into the phrase:

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-ket1.htm

I felt it would serve nicely to introduce my ruminations today, on the Van Kleef Aquarium, after yesterday's peek into that ghastly world of Haw Par Villa.

Van Kleef Aquarium

Sadly, it is no longer around, having been demolished in 1998. Located in Fort Canning Park -- facing River Valley Road -- it came into existence in 1955, when I was just five years old.

What was the secret of its appeal to me (and I am sure, countless other boys) growing up as teenagers? Garfield too was enthusiastic about the idea of going to the aquarium!...

Yes, the Van Kleef Aquarium was "heaven". You are a teen and you've just snagged a date. She doesn't want to go to the movies (it's a horror flick), and you don't have much money in your pocket, anyway. Why not a meal at the nearby Hill Street Food Centre and then a stroll to the aquarium? She's hooked!

So, what's dark enough inside (apart from the brightly lit tanks) for you to easily put your arm around her waist without feeling awkward about it? Then the best part... SHARKS!

  
Okay, maybe the Van Kleef didn't have this one above -- the Great White -- but it had other kinds, mostly much smaller and more likely to be scared off in an encounter with humans. But what's to stop you from whispering in the dark, "Sharks grow to become big, mean man-eaters, you know. I hope this glass tank here is strong enough." She moves closer to you. Sherman (below) would have you get out of your comfort zone, but he misses the point. You want her to get into your comfort zone...

  
Anyway, all that is long past, the callow growing up years, the dates whose names you have since forgotten. But this baby boomer will never forget the Van Kleef Aquarium. Thank you, Mr Karl Van Kleef.

http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/etc/vankleef.htm

Suckling note: I was told, apart from the weird olden Chinese "expression" of filial piety as depicted at the Haw Par Villa, there's a Roman equivalent! Check out "Roman Charity" on the Internet.