PHOTOfrenz Blog

By Wong Casandra

Unsurprisingly, the best time to visit Chinatown would be during the New Year. Why so? The place will be beautifully lit up with lights and stuffed with festive street bazaars, most selling festive goodies and decoration for home. Indeed, it is a great cultural experience for both locals and foreigners alike. So a few days ago, I made my way down to Chinatown with my mom – well, she works in the vicinity and she wanted to buy some CNY lightings to decorate the house with – and I was quite taken aback, albeit in a good way. (On a side note, I think the only time I came down to Chinatown during CNY was when I was in primary school, and memories of the place… were, let’s just say, hazy.)

The streets were brimming with the hustle and bustle of life – and that’s great for capturing quaint moments on photos. Which, of course, I am extremely thankful and grateful for. There’s never a dull moment even when you are standing in a corner of Chinatown observing everyone.

1. Photo-taking in Chinatown I first caught sight of the pretty decorations from afar, and then I realized that the couple in front me was captivated by them as well. It so happened that while I was snapping a photo of them, they were snapping a photo of the decorations as well!	2. Oxpicious Year! I spotted a couple of gigantic but cute ox figurines plastered on an overhead structure. And then it struck me; 2009 IS the year of the Ox!
3. Bak Gua Galore Everyone knows what the favourite CNY snack is – yes, it is Bak Gua! Here, a family samples some at the popular Mei Zhen Xian.	4. Prosperity A bored boy (background) guarding a horde of festive paper ornaments – and one can clearly see that they carry the common festive well wishes.
5. New Beginnings A very red and eye-catching plaque with the Chinese word for “Spring” on it. For the clueless: CNY is the celebration of all things new, and since it is all about abundance and growth during the Spring season, what other better word to represent the festival?	6. Fortune Imagine hanging this extravagant lighting at home - it will definitely usher in good luck and fortune to your family!

Just by standing still for a moment, you will be able to sample a taste of the vibrancy coursing through the heart of Chinatown. So if you haven’t already done so, please do drop by Chinatown now (the Chinatown Light up will be on till 15 Feb) for an amazing visual experience! Here’s wishing everyone A Happy Chinese New Year and all-year round good luck and prosperity. May the tides of 2008’s recession be washed away by the grand beginnings of 2009!

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