To understand the Awesomeness of this in full, I feel like we need to delve into a brief history lesson. Downtown Los Angeles (otherwise known as DTLA) did not used to be so Awesome. Technically the oldest neighborhood in Los Angeles (it was settled in 1744 as a small pueblo over a century before California was even a state), downtown boomed in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s before the population began to sprawl out in search of other hot spots (in true LA form). In an attempt to keep business (and people) in downtown LA, a building restriction that had formerly kept buildings in downtown under thirteen stories was lifted in the late 1950s. This changed the skyline, but didn't necessarily bring back the nightlife or the economy.
Into the later part of the 1900s, Downtown LA was a financial hub of the city, busy with suits from 9-5, but otherwise void of a real population. Deserted buildings and streets mean that Skid Row, or "Tent City," developed along the streets that had once been the city's finest, making Downtown a center for homeless and deviants and crack heads. It wasn't exactly friendly.
When I moved to LA eight years ago, DTLA was not touted as a hot spot. Occasionally, I'd venture into the fashion district for some cheap designer duds, but I'd quickly make my way back to the safe bubble of my college campus. In the last five years, though, DTLA has been undergoing a kind of (very noticeable) revival. There are things to do. New restaurants and bars (some of the best ones in the city, no less) are popping up faster than I can keep track. Sporting events and major concerts are happening almost daily. People actually live in the apartment buildings and city lofts (the rent has skyrocketed as a result). There is innovation and art and development.
Suddenly, everyone has realized the Awesomeness of DTLA, myself included. Between the art deco buildings, the multi-cultural pockets (Chinatown, Little Tokyo), the various districts (there's even a piñata district, I kid you not), it is a great place to be a tourist. If you ever have a free day in this city, it would be well spent wandering the streets of downtown (much more than the almost guaranteed wasted time you'll spend in Hollywood or Beverly Hills).
This flea market was just one more sign that DTLA is continuing on its path of unique Awesomeness.
The flea market had its first run last month (it runs the last sunday of every month), but I missed it. This month, I was going to make it (big shout out to Cesar Flores for remembering it was happening!). I even powered through a pretty potent hangover (thank you, Awesome Day Twenty Four) and 90 degree weather. 30 Days of Awesome is really keeping me moving.
If you've been to a flea market before, then there's probably not a whole that was different about this one--except the fact that is was sponsored by Red Bull, had a VIP tent, a live DJ, and a wide variety of food trucks (oh, LA...). But all in all, it was your average assembly of vintage goods, salvaged materials, antique furniture, and handmade trinkets. Like an interactive museum, flea markets are full of the kind of stuff you just want to touch and fiddle with and examine.
Flea markets are rad, too, because they are different all the time and really have no rules. A treasure hunt through piles of otherwise useless junk, flea markets are one of the only places left in this country where haggling is widely accepted. A skill that I developed while living in the Middle East, I was upset when I returned home and couldn't talk down the prices of t-shirts at the local mall or barter for a two for one deal that wasn't advertised (I got a lot of weird stares during that culture re-adjustment).
Flea markets are a safe haven for the die hard haggler. And I can do it in English. Awesome.
We left with two old tiki glasses, a set of vintage champagne glasses, some antique keys, a hand etched bamboo iphone case, and some homemade lip balm.
I'll also take this moment to mention that the last Sunday Sessions at Grand Park in Downtown was on Awesome Day Twenty Five as well. Talk about another super Awesome event to make DTLA uniquely cool. Free music all day with a great community vibe set against the backdrop of high rises and palm trees. (My phone was dead, or I would have taken a picture; you'll just have to believe me on this one, or go see it for yourself next summer.)
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