Chinatown night market

When I think of the things that characterize Chinatowns throughout the world, I think of shops selling Chinese herbs and the unmistakable smell of preserved salted fish wafting through the air. I think of cheap produce, authentic Chinese food, lion statues made of stone, and tall gates with a pagoda roof.

Not a minute after the thought crossed my mind that Sydney's Chinatown was missing an air of authenticity, did I spot one of those tall red pagoda gates with gold lettering. Glancing beyond the gate, I could see people setting up tables and laying out random bric-a-brac which could only mean one thing - night market! Authenticity instantly redeemed.

There were the usual stands where you could buy socks, underwear, costume jewellery, and junk with Hello Kitty's face plastered all over it. The one stall worthy of note was the one selling kangaroo pelts for $45. Not saying I'd buy one - I think the tail is too much of a reminder of what it once was.