A few weeks ago I at long last made it back to the Tel Aviv/Yaffo flea market in search of some treasures for an interior design project I'm working on. I have visited my fair share of flea markets around the world, and this one is certainly worth a visit even if you aren't in the market for any fleas! Though I must say, one must really know the value of the things one may want to purchase or you could end up paying twice what they're really worth, especially with say new items from India or antique linens.
Yaffo in itself is a very interesting neighborhood with lots of old buildings and is located right on the Mediterranean. While you can't enjoy the gorgeous sea from the flea market, it's quite close.
The flea market consists of several streets of warehouse like stores that bring many of their wares out on to the sidewalk, as well as several little lanes of stalls selling things like jewelry, clothing and linens.
If you're looking for French antiques, like these chairs, this is the place. As I recall these chairs were 600 shekels each, not a steal, but not a bad price since a new dining room chair of questionable quality will cost you at least 800 shekels.
As we ventured inside to view more French antiques, I couldn't help but marvel at this amazing vaulted ceiling!
If you're looking for interesting lighting, there are a few stores that also sell new fixtures that they will assemble for you from the parts of your choice. I found some great wall sconces in this store, after the owner said, "ah, I think I know what you're looking for, I don't know why it's not here, I'll just bring one out for you." And sure enough, he was right, that one last choice was it!
After spending hours in the lighting store I went outside and looked up. Wow, what an amazing balcony filled with blooming bouganvillea in a range of colors!
Where I live we can only grow the magenta bouganvillea as the other colors are not hardy enough, but this is a great idea for those of you who live in central Israel or any tropical climate.
And if you need a little break from all things dusty and rusty, so head on over to this sweet shop called Sofi, on Rabbi Nachman Street. A great place to visit if you can't make it to Amsterdam.....
Another look at a typical street scene.
A beautiful antique Chanukah menorah.....hmmmm.....forgot to ask how much they wanted for it! I guess we'll just have to go back to the flea market again soon!
