Flea markets

The flea market originated in Europe. The term comes from the French Marche aux puces, ancient bazaars that often sold parasite-infested articles of clothing and old furniture.

While Petticoat Lane, London (in the picture), figures as one of the oldest and largest of flea markets, there is not always very much of interest here, apart from its live musicians and entertainment.

I suggest you venture to the outskirts of London and visit Greenwich for more than the Meridien Line. Its quaint village market sells hats, jewellery, antiques, family heirlooms, sometimes even old 19th century family photos.

And while the US abounds in flea markets, there is one closer to where the sun rises: the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok.

En route to the famous Floating market, it's a good idea to get there early Saturday/ Sunday morning as it is likely to be packed by noon.

You will need the entire day to browse through its Chinese porcelain antiques, Tibetan spice jars and musical instruments, small articles of furniture like breakfast tables and CD racks in white Malaysian rubberwood, innovative elephant-shaped cushions and clothes.

Look out for the occasional unique find. Chatuchak is probably the only place in the world that sells fake Levi's jeans and original Levi's shoes!

There is a stall that sells slip-on shoes crafted from the seats of old pairs of Levi's jeans, label and all.

And the most colourful stall of them all is one with funky, glass bottles of Heineken beer, Coke, Fanta, etc, all blown delightfully out of shape.