Shopping Malls vs. Traditional Markets & Bazaars

The shopping malls in Singapore are as clean and bright as the ones I see in Canada. Nice environment. Polite attendants. Somehow something is missing.

I find that after the photos are developed, I have a hard time distinguishing which shopping mall is at which metro station. Just like I can never remember which shopping mall my friends and I went together last time. They have the same stores such as Fair Weather, Chapter, etc.. So after living in Ottawa for a while, I got really bored with them. I don't think there is any difference among those beautiful and orderly stores.
When visiting Europe, the outdoors shopping areas are also dazzling. Plus the architectures all over are so amazing. Somehow, I prefer traditional markets. Here you can see the local vitality and features, just like this one in Barcelona, Spain.

In the market, there is a cafe with Gaudi's touch. It is fascinating. Who wouldn't rememer this is in Spain?

And if you are longing for hustling and bustling, or yelling and haggling, this definitely is THE place. Guarantee exhilarating.

This is the Central Market of Budapest. They have gotten everything here.



Don't think markets are just markets. As you can see, they have made a great effort to make it a splandid one.
And some bazaars for some special holidays or events. If you are lucky enough, you'll fall into medieval Europe and see something like this. (Photographed in Toledo, Spain)

While traveling, those wonderful memories do not totally come from those tourist attractions of world class, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. My favorites are actually these markets and bazaars, for they are much closer to our daily life. On top of that, they keep me thinking back again and again. And I could still smell the joy in the air.