The Cooling Well Street
Or also called Rua dos Curtidores, were occupied and managed by the Macau government in the late eighteen century. Later public roads and houses were built till now. After more than hundred years of urban development, this old village corner has been obliterated and the street architecture has changed dramatically. Only one house were left in preservation look.
The cooling well village used to have two wells. One is a large well. It differs from other common wells in Macau. The wellhead was made of granite cut in a square shape, provide villagers water to drink. Another well called “Carp Well”, also known as small well. It claimed that well is extremely perfect for brewing chinese tea because of the water’s excellent qualities, that’s why the well is called “Cool water well”. Apart from drinking, many neighborhood around also like to use water for washing clothes, taking baths, etc.
Both wells have been sealed tight, those scene no longer exist anymore.
Two streets down were my favorite “Twilight Market”. This is the most long lasting historical “Stall Market Culture” gathering point. Before dawn, around seven in the morning, a large crowd formed and people start to flow in.
This market located at Rua dos Curtidores, a hidden street at the back of Alegria Cinema, a famous cinema in the seventies, right at the back of small football area, a garden worth for staying admiring the birds in the cage gathering, called the Bairro San Kio Building.
This place has everything. All precious antiques lie on the ground on a mat. Everything are the most antique, classic, nostalgic second hand supplies ready for sale. Jade, Calligraphy and paintings, Jewelry, daily necessities; From the unexpected cotton tires to men and ladies underwear, also available.
This place can stay for hours. Its’ so attractive, all items on sale are not the most luxurious display items; You need to use your patience to search and explore, like online “Taobao to treasure hunt”. The all-inclusive, daily on sale items were so piled and staggered, almost touching the ceiling. The setup makes you so lost sometimes, figuring out how to get the hidden, favorable second-hand item, as if you’re digging out from a Mass grave!
Some welcoming shop owners might love to talk non-stop, just everything, particularly the elderly ones; when arousing their interest, they will enthusiastically explain the origin of each object and talk like a live history book. It makes you so embarrassed when wish to leave. Or otherwise, you can enjoy looking at the items (piled up like a Jenga) until you find your best heartful ones, pull it out and take a look at it.
I particularly like one of the Lady’s shop best picks. They always have my favorite rooster bowls, wooden furniture, chinese partitions, and also my favorite ancient four-story wooden cabinets. As long as it is nicely modified, it will turn up into an unique, wooden style furniture, in an excellent taste design, newly set in my renovated store.
This place belongs to the local human touch of Macao people’s culture that stays locally, the sight of the old times, the small daily necessities supplying, makes you having the will relieving the memories of those old days.
The intersection at the Twilight Street is Lin Kai Temple, which is also worth a visit. It existed for more than a hundred years, full of god of the gods. The building has lots of ancient wooden flower carvings. Although the paint peeled off a bit, it cannot cover the original characteristics of the building’s craftsmanship.
