26062011 Bangsar Pasar Malam

When I was younger, without fail, I would go to Pasar Malam as often as I can. This was because at that time, there were no big shopping complexes such as 1-Utama, The Curve, Mid-Valley, etc. All we had was Sungei Wang, Kimisawa (yes, you're guessing my age now) and they're all too far away for me. Heck, at that time, taking the bus was not even an option.

And so, my only salvation was the weekly Night Markets or Pasar Malam, as it is more commonly known. Think of it as the equivalent of modern traveling nomads coming to your urban village bringing new wares and toys from their travels. And with it, I get the latest songs, toys and even videotapes (yes, that is how old I am). As I got older, and as I get the opportunity to travel outstation to other states, I would always try my luck to spot and enter into a Pasar Malam before I return back home.

However, with the changing times, the Pasar Malam is no longer what it was. The Bangsar one, that it. sure, I still see some of the same vendors, albeit a little bit older. But the wares nowadays are nothing to shout at. I won't blame it entirely on the new shopping malls but in an era where Information can be gotten at the click of the mouse, the Pasar Malam is fast losing its attraction or, charm in my terms.

You want the freshest fruits? Go to Hypermarkets.
Food? Hypermarkets.
Clothes? Shopping Malls.
Toys? eBay, Amcorp Mall and yes, other shopping malls.

So, where does this leave the Pasar Malam? What role can it still achieve? Apart from haggling housewives, sweating families, and newly married brides, who else still go there?

Anyway, here are some night shots I tried with the Nokia n8.