I was in need of measuring tape with both inches and centimeters, a few nightlights, some wire, and a lamp shade. Where could I find such a one-stop shop? Eliava Market. It's kind of like a giant Home Depot, flea-market style. It spreads out over several acres, and when it comes to building tools/supplies/paraphernalia/curios, if it exists, you will find it here.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something grey-blue? This place has it's own sort of flair.
Some of these carefully displayed stalls put surrounding produce markets to shame.
No citrus fruits were ever stacked so perfectly high.
And don't think this place is lacking in color . . .
. . . they'll mix you up your own custom-shade of paint.
But, truth be told, by American standards most of the place was either over or understuffed, tacky, ramshackle, and totally disorganized. But it was great fun. The baby loved it. And our driver seemed to know someone around every corner of the endless rows of vendor stalls. It was a fantastic outing, and I found everything I was looking for. Except the lampshade, I think I'll order that online.
Wonderful! what an experience! Thanks for thinking to bring the camera. Do they also have large Home Depot-type stores and this is just an alternative - or is this actually how most people buy things like hardware? I assume this is where your driver shops.
ReplyDeleteNo big box stores in sight. There are small local hardware stores, but nothing as well stocked as this market.
DeleteElder Reese swore by this place - he loved to go here!
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