The origin of the name “flea market” – does not going make you itch all over?

Text and photos by Ji Zihong, excerpted from “I Love Kaohsiung, and Also Snacks, Strolls, and Killing Time” published by Flying Bird Season Publishing

One of our recent holiday pastimes with friendswas treasure hunting at the Shiquan Road flea market. It’s such a joy when a city has a regular flea market to explore. Bargain hunters will always find something cheap, and those who love the buzz will never run out of things to satisfy their curiosity. In the market, whether you buy or just browse doesn’t really matter—the most important thing is being surrounded by a dazzling array of second-hand goods. Just breathing in that old, familiar smell is satisfying enough for me.





 

The first time I went, I got lucky and bought a white typewriter for 500 NT dollars—it looked as good as new. Strangely enough, I found it at a stall that specialized in kitchenware. I don’t quite get the owner’s usual stocking logic, but isn’t that the whole point of visiting a flea market—hoping for little surprises like this? There were also several stalls selling second-hand tools, including drills, screwdrivers, jigsaws, sanders, air compressors, and more. The variety was overwhelming, with tools piled all over the floor. If you see something you like, be sure to pick it up and try it before buying—you really shouldn’t rush. I’d love to buy a few tools myself, but I’m afraid of ending up with ones I can’t actually use. I remembered my neighbor had a drill I could borrow, so every time I walked past these tool stalls, I just looked around without buying anything.

Besides tools and daily necessities, there were also several food stalls where you could grab a bite. They sold taiyaki, star fruit soup, boiled corn, soy milk chicken, and sponge cakes. Especially the sponge cake stall near the market entrance—it had a lot of customers. The cakes were traditional animal shapes, but the most unique one was in the shape of a pistol. Each pack had seven pieces, and every pack included at least one pistol-shaped cake. Whenever we got one, we’d point it playfully at our friends and go “bang bang!” It became our little regular entertainment ritual at the flea market. Sure, it’s a bit childish, but it’s also our happy ending—a sign of contentment after a good round of bargain hunting.