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| - Ahhh...Night It Up. The one weekend where you line up an hour for questionably small portions and you see all the people that went to your high school and thought you were a nerd (haha jokes on you, I'm still a nerd). Well if it sounds so bad, why do I keep coming back?
Maybe it's the crowded environment that really channels that "I might get pickpocketted at any time" feeling you get in Asia. Or maybe it's that pungent smell of street meat and stinky tofu that seeps into your clothes and never lets go. Whatever it is, I kind of love it. Night It Up, being 15 years old, is definitely one of the better organized night markets among the many that are popping up. Every year, they bring back the classics but add a few new additions to keep you on your toes (and in lines).
Over the years, I've learned to go early, avoid the crazy busy booths, and head straight for the ones with minimal people. Sometimes they surprise you! I got a whole Korean seafood pancake ($5), surprisingly abundant and tasty soft shell crab tacos ($10), a bag of Papabubble candy that looks like you can't eat them ($6), and unfortunately un-puffy green tea egg waffles ($5). Between all that and a large bubble tea, I was satisfied and nothing made me regret parting with my cash.
It's not all about food of course. The Trojan guys are always a welcome sight among a crowd of tiny Asians (like me). This year, they also got people lining up HOURS for....Aveeno lotion. People and their free handouts. Other activities include things like scavenger hunts, mini prizes, a portable frame to Instagram yourself with, and performances going on all night. Whether you like what's going on on the stage or not, you can't deny that it promotes local young people and gives them opportunities to improve.
Sure there are some flaws but they're kinda what makes Night It Up...Night It Up. And despite the issues I might have with it, I do plan on coming back. It's tradition. It's close. And it's got lots of Pokemon nearby.
(70/100) - 2016
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