The call for more traditional food items at Geylang Bazaar wasn’t the only indication that Singaporeans miss the past.
The country’s quick pace of progress has seen drastic changes over the years, including the transformation of Geylang Serai Market.
Singaporeans only realised how different things are today when a video of the market from 2006 circulated on Facebook on Tues (7 May).
The new Geylang Serai Market with its bright lights and ample space is a far cry from its state 13 years ago.
The 2006 video shows a cramped, dimly lit wet market with stalls standing so close together, there’s barely space to fit a shopping trolley.
You’d wonder how your mum and grandma did their grocery shopping without feeling stifled back then.
The tight spaces were common in the clothing section too, with sale items everywhere, even hanging over people’s heads as they walked by.
Now you can do your shopping in relatively more comfort as there’s at least some elbow room so you won’t brush against a stranger.
While the old video gives us all the feels, we can be thankful that the new market has improved our shopping experience.
The sight of the old market sparked Singaporeans to fondly recall the cheap food and kampung vibes, despite the smell, which they collectively do not miss.
The market’s atmosphere today may not be comparable to its state 13 years ago, but we can appreciate the fact that essential elements like the hawker centre remain.
You can still find the usual nasi padang, mee rebus and many other Malay food stalls there.
As to many things in life, change is the only constant. We have to keep evolving to move forward and keep up with the times, and so does Geylang Serai Market.
Perhaps a lot of its old character is lost, but the essence of the kampung spirit will stay alive as long as generations of Singaporeans continue to visit.
Featured image from Facebook and YouTube.
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