Smith Street at Chinatown

Walking on the Smith street in the five foot way of the colourful shophouses, one can smell the aroma of food from the intimate eateries, see groups of men socialising under the low pavilions and hear constant yelling from the stall vendors, all happening at the same time. Unlike being in the built up areas such as shopping malls, the atmosphere at night is also noisy but it is at the same time enjoyable to be in. This is partly due to the engaging of activities with the shop vendors where everyone bargains for cheaper goods.

The streets are very vibrant and full of activities that one could walk over and over again without feeling tired. The open air eateries adds on to the charm of Chinatown, not the usual air conditioned space but it is filled with the aroma coming from the food and the noise made by the bypassing vehicles which gave a very out to nature feeling where one can seldom find in the high end restaurants. The brightly lit streets filled with colourful light fittings and signboards enhance the intimacy of the streets which in turn give a warm feeling.

The night market in Smith Street give me a sense of belonging where it cannot be found in another place which gave an identity to the place itself.

Wendy Ang Wen Ling