The Vakco General Store

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Hello Peter,

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Kudos for creating Aden Digest and posting beautiful pictures that brought back fond memories of my early childhood in Aden. I was browsing and looking for images of Aden and just happened to bump into your site.  

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My grandfather came to Aden from India in early 1900s and I am the second generation born and raised in Aden. My father and uncles owned the Vakco General Store in Steamer Point, Tawahi.  You may have visited the store because we used to sell appliances (we had agency for PYE radio), spirits, perfumes,jewelry, clothing, and other goods from UK, such as chocolates, candies, variety of newspapers, magazines and comics (Beano, Dandy, Topper, and spy13 WWII picture books).

 

The store was across (slight left) from the P&O Building and the big playground, where the ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II took place in early 1950s.  Our large flat was right above the store (entire top floor with terrace), with a fantastic view of the harbour, seen as one of the two white buildings with black roofs in your picture of Steamer Point SS Oriana. Have even seen black Mary (the one, you guys have been talking about) from the terrace in wee hours!
 
Because of political situation, I left Aden in 1964 (I was 14) and went to Mumbai, India to get education.  My parents and uncle stayed till 1977 but when my fatherand uncle passed away in the same year, my mom left everything - store, car and a house in Khormaksar! 
 
Peter, I was wondering whether you had any video of Aden. I would be interested in purchasing if you have one.  

Look forward to hearing from you. 

Kind regards,

Vikram Vakharia