October 14, 2009

Boy am I tired.

Everard 't Serclaes, Brussels, October 2009

After a whirlwind trip to Paris and Brussels the harsh reality of the real world smacked me square in the face yesterday within minutes of arriving to my office. That, after a nine hour flight seated next to an asthmatic dog. I wish I were kidding, but I've got the video to prove it. But enough about bad work days and worse flights...let's go to the Brussels flea market!

Minutes from the Brussels train station (which is only slightly over an hour from Paris...incredible, really) is the Place Jeu de Balle flea market.



"The Place du Jeu de Balle or Vossenplein is located in the heart of the Marolles, the Brussels working-class district par excellence. This square was also known as the 'Vieux Marché' (old market). ... You will meet antique lovers, strollers, occasional visitors. ... You should definitely make a stop at an outdoor café with a delicious beer and enjoy the live music, especially during the summer."

It's also apparently known for its whack array of product, mostly all of which is buried in boxes or strewn across blankets. And by "whack" I mean:


Yup; weird (which is not to say that the sassy blond with the dirty doll didn't totally become my Facebook profile photo faster than you could say, "Passez le bier!").

And EXPENSIVE. The harsh reality of the failing dollar was omnipresent during this trip. Yikes.

But there was no way I was going to a flea in Belgium and coming back empty handed. I scavenged a few buttons buried in boxes of sewing supplies:


They are quite large (at least 2" each) and lovely, but at about 90 cents U.S. each (EACH!) they are going to have to go on some very special bags or pillows. That glass domed tortoise shell one is yummy, though.

I also picked up a pair of Napoleon dishes (you know where those are headed) for 5 Euro each (about $7.35 each) which is so totally out of my normal thrifty price range.



But they are way cuter than an "I went all the way to Brussels and all I got was this rotten tee-shirt...and a fistful of buttons" shirt (or whatever the equivalent is). And I just looked up the markings...


...and found one of the plates listed on eBay for $34.95 (and saw similar versions later on at a Paris flea for much more). So now I feel a little better.

Tomorrow: The piss boy and the fondled statue. Now if that doesn't make you come back for more, I don't know what will.

21 comments:

Jenn said...

Welcome back Laura!!

Omg, the dirty doll lady totally cracked me up, using it as a FB picture is absolutely priceless!!

It's funny that all their stuff is laid out on blankets like that, although I do enjoy a good box scroung ;)

Cannot wait to hear about Piss Boy, stoked, and the fondled statue? Yes please!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, I'm glad you made it over and back safely. Sorry about the problems, but I know it was still a faboulous time. Love your Facebook pic! LOL!

Love the plates and the buttons.

Hope your day improves...

XO,

Sheila :-)

j.cro said...

Nice score!!

Purple Flowers said...

Love your story; can't wait for more!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Welcome home you lucky, lucky girl!

I love the plates and the buttons ..and considering the EURO rules they were great deals!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Oh no sorry you had a bad trip back, but at least you had a fab vacation! Can't wait to hear all about it! Totally jealous!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Lucky you...what a wonderful place to go on vacation...thanks for visiting Pandora's Box, and as for Mackenzie Childs, that's an old ferry boat that they bought and refurbished! I've seen pictures - How on earth did you get on board? Don't tell me you paid a few grand to be a part of their "special followers"!! And aren't they an interesting couple? Looking forward to hearing more about your trip abroad!

pve design said...

Hope you will have some traditional "Moules Frites pour moi! Happy time in Brussels-
pve

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow amazing finds I love the plates. Yes even flea market prices here are like regular prices in states. Glad you had a great time I can't wait to hear and see more.

Kwana said...

Welcome home and congrats on the great plates find! Looking at the buttons makes me want to know a cute bag with a nice one button closure. Not that I know how to do that but I would sure try!

Anonymous said...

LOL! You are so funny-can't wait to hear more about the trip. Glad you are back safe and sound!

Fifi Flowers said...

Lucky girl... you cannot complain for awhile... I'm stil jealous!!!
ENJOY your weekend and get some rest and then SHOW more of your trip!!! Maybe you want to tell about it on my blog too!!! Just a thought!
Fifi

Rue said...

Welcome home Laura :)

Piss boy?? LOL I'm sooooo coming back for that ;)

You bought some really neat things! I'm so envious of your trip.... asthmatic dog and all LOL

(((hugs)))
rue

Jean Martha said...

Hey!! Sorry I didn't reply to your email. Getting internet access in Germany has been super crazy expensive.

I need more time in Belgium (with better shoes). OMG Bought a pair of clogs in Germany and it was like the sun came out...

Linda Lou said...

What an exciting trip, and you did come back with wonderful "finds". looking forward to seeing more pictures -welcome home.

preppyplayer said...

Whack in brussells works for meeeeee!
Are you jet-lagged?
I love treasure hunting when I travel. Can't wait to hear the rest...

Maureen said...

Oh, I'll be back, but thanks for the teaser. Love the buttons, love the plates, love the photos. Welcome back to the US. So jealous of your trip, but happy to live vicariously through Shore chic as always...

Joyce said...

Welcome home Laura! Some great treasures once again you hit the jackpot.xoxo

Leila said...

A oui-- le mannequin qui pisse...

a favorite of my mischievous girlhood -- couldn't resist bringing it up in 9th grade French class...

just couldn't resist.

Unknown said...

I would have had to buy something too! Hope you have recooped...the flight is brutal...I can't imagine sitting next to a sickly dog! LOL

Liz Harrell said...

Oh. My. Gosh. I think I would have PASSED OUT in that flea market. So glad you had fun and did such fabulous things! I'm a little jealous. Ok. A lot. :)
Hugs,
Liz