Yesterday we visited the Yangiabad Weekend Flea Market. Every time I go there I find interesting items to purchase. There are cool Soviet era, “made in the USSR” antiques. The best find was a functioning Sputnik wind-up men’s razor. The Soviets designed electronics to be durable and repairable, unlike today’s products. I cleaned it and could check the blades. It is missing accessories (brush, second beard trimmer blades) but perhaps I could find them. It cost me $7.75. The middle photo is of a Soviet desk thermometer. It was missing the pen holder and was damaged, so I will look for a better one. Finally, I purchased two Abba records, the one below from 1977.
So many interesting scenes. The market is on the grounds of a former factory. We discovered “Pigeon Alley” (photo below) where men were selling rock doves. They were quite animated and had lots going on. It reminded me of the cock fighting markets of Latin America. In the winter the scene is a bit grim and I forget there is poverty here in Uzbekistan. The government does a good job of not having homeless people, but there are still many people who need assistance. I think for my New Years’ Resolution I will make a pledge to do more to alleviate income inequality and help those less fortunate.
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