Flea Markets Discovering treasures & antiques, Reminiscing the good old times.
Took a victim with me yesterday, as I went on an urban hike of some sort, exploring hidden treasures in cosmopolitan Singapore. Armed with a tight budget to shop (well, less the rather up-market lunch cum dinner), we had 3 destinations in mind. At least, that’s the plan.
First stop, Sungei Road.

To the naked eye, this plot of land is like a junkyard from afar. You may think it’s some gathering point for old folks, or where the poor and homeless find used goods. Wrong. It’s actually Singapore’s Pioneer Flea Market. (It’s open 7 days a week, 365 days a year by the way.) Certain goods like electrical hardware (wires, drills, cables) and bicycles will only appeal to foreign labourers, but there are gems hidden in piles of ‘garbage’. Toys you used to play, clothing you used to wear, it certainly brings back memories.
Alright, the weather seems a little gloomy, so we decided to head South, to the next location.
Second Stop, Far East Square.
 This weekend flea market, is smaller in scale, but offers more variety of goods that appeals to both the young and old. Clothes are more ‘street’ in nature, while the fusion of Hokkien songs and Western Country music gives a unique feel to the atmosphere. There’s a balance of both commercial goods, as well as antique pieces available.
My ‘Uncle ism’ sets in, as I fell in love with 2 pieces of Army medals, rich in history, high on aesthetic value. For something that is half a century old, $5 dollars a piece to own a piece of history was a bargain. Moving on…we have seen enough here.
Final Stop, China Square Central
This stop was more like we chance upon the place while exploring the Amoy Street area. Strangely enough, it turns out to be pretty crowded with youths. But, it turns out that the mall houses a couple of Toys shops, selling merchandises from Anime and Graphic Novels…no wonder there’s a larger crowd here. But, with the mall also having a few antique shops, we found a nice amount of old toys, like a rifle gun which works on a mechanical lever, a 1977 toy typewriter, and realistic vintage toy cars.  The companion of mine got herself a nice shirt @ the place, and she was a really satisfied customer.
I would have liked to get myself this, but…I guess I need to work out a little harder to ensure that I do the shirt justice.
I would like to recommend this stall / website to anyone who likes tees that makes a statement, tees that brings our your character. Drop by http://www.houseoftees.blogspot.com/ for more information.
The day ended with a slightly expensive lunch/dinner in Chinatown, and a nice conversation til I felt a little embarrassed to stay for long.
A Sunday well spent, wallet’s a little empty, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
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