I would like to introduce you to my new favorite shopping experience. I can't really say what my old favorite was- I really despise malls and anthropologie makes my wallet hurt.
But this- my friends is a glorious find;
Let me explain;
When my mom first mentioned this, I was relluctant to tag along. I figured it was something along the line of Denios- rows upon rows of crap no one needs or wants. It happens the first Sunday of every month on an abandoned Navy air-base in Alemeda.
But this was certainly not what I expected. Upon first showing up, we were directed to park in the rear of a large open lot, and had to take a tram [driven by a very entertaining mustached man] to the enterance gate. Once we got to the front gate, my dad got our tickets (it's $5 to get in after 9 o'clock, I wouldn't recommend going earlier- professional buyers show up at 6 and ticket prices are higher the earlier you show up).
The first good omen was the mix of people standing in line, Old Couples, Rockablies, Hipsters, Young Families, Well-dressed Women, Men smoking Pipes, Granola-hippies, just glorious people watching.
Once we passed the gate, you could finally see the faire, and it was a sight to behold. Rows upon rows of interesting little stands selling everything from Old French Fruniture, turn of the century modern art, steampunk jewlery, hand made linens, etc etc. It was all set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Skyline, absolutely lovely.
I kicked myself at least a hundered times for not bringing my camera. Luckely- plenty of other people did, and here are a few photos from Flickr of the weird and wonderful things to be had;
these are the treasures I returned with:
- An old Swiss Medallion on a blue and white ribbon [free]
- A large skeleton key [also free]
-Old men's buddy holly style eyeglasses, soon to have my perscription in them [$100, and completely worth it]
- Two pewter rings, one of a peony and the other braided [$15]
-a type-set necklace for my Oma [$10]
-Watch-gear cufflinks for my Dad [$20]
- a bracelet made of old buttons, broches and baubles for my Grandma [$18]
- A delecious lunch of Fried Zuchhini, Fish and chips, and iced tea [$8]
things I sincerly regret not buying;
- A large poster of a human skeleton smoking a pipe [$75]
- a very intricate french iron-wrought day bed from the 20's [$500]
- An old black and white reel of street-names that used to be used in double-decker busses around the UK to announce destinations before they used digital displays [$100-$300]
- A ring from ancient Rome, cast in bronze with a sort of floral design [$55]
- A four-foot long pillow made from a french lavender sack from the Provonce region [$35]
Also- I love that many of the vendors were actually from the same country their items were. There were old men arguing in Italian, chic french women selling luxurious fruniture, cute Japenese couples pedeling vintage Kimono Robes.
So in conclusion, I will be saving up my paychecks until I can return again, and maybe I will see you there.
Happy hunting.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. -Wayne Dyer
