first visit to haji lane

I went to Haji Lane and Arab St for the first time when I was back in SG this Feb. I have never ventured outside of the air-conditioned malls or complexes in the vicinity, hence never had the chance to discover the old world charm of these streets and back alleys. If not for the extreme humidity, I may have stayed a lot longer and explored every single nook in the area. Many have raved about the eclectic mix of fashion boutiques that have sprouted in weird, hard to find corners of this area but I didn't find anything exceptionally alluring that I wouldn't be able to purchase on the web or elsewhere. However, I would really like to visit again if possible, to do a real photowalk and take perhaps another thousand photos.

Here are some of my personal favourites taken that day. It's strange that most of the outdoor photos I take in SG somehow don't look as good as the ones I take in OZ. I think lighting is one of the main factors - all the skyscrapers in small SG block too much natural light and throw unnecessary shadows everywhere, and the lack of open space / land / sky just makes most shots look overly cluttered with too much cramped into one small frame that I get confused as to the focus of my shots. I tried my hand at variations in sepia tones for the first time for some of the pics below. I think it helps to simplify the photos, reduce distractions like too many colours that clash or unwanted details and to enhance the feelings of old-fashioned picturesqueness (I went to google and wow there really is such a word!).

Click on each photo to view enlarged version.


Left: This scene reminds me of the show 甜蜜蜜.
Right: I haven't seen such a traditional goldsmith shop since I was a kid.


Left: Giant Mentos! Apparently Hup Seng is the sole distributor for Mentos in SG. Never knew that.
Right: Empty street. I think this is one end of Haji Lane.


Left: Love these colourful Turkish glass/lamp ware that was found every corner I turned.
Right: Fancy some Ali Baba pants? I also found an Aladdin's shop at a junction.


Another altogether different sight as I rounded a corner from Arab St onto Beach Road.


Left: Why is there a need for barbed wire on this quiet back alley?
Right: Divine pleasures... hmmm...


Left: Saw lots of cool graffiti at several spots. I wonder how long they would last before they get painted over.
Right: Painting over graffiti...

By the way, have I mentioned that I left my dSLR with all its lenses and another vintage film SLR (gift from a friend) in SG? I really miss my camera and am upset that I can't go for therapeutic photowalks until I somehow find a way to get them delivered to me in Sydney intact.