Homburg Flohmarkt

This morning I woke up bright and early to meet a friend and head to Homburg's Flohmarkt. In the past I usually go with Rob and Rand and we don't get out the door till after 9am. This morning we got there just before 8am and I was excited to hit the flohmarkt without a toddler... but I did miss having a stroller for storage. 

It was very cold and raining this morning. We were in shock because only like 10% of the vendors that usually sell were there today. I was really bummed and thought this trip would be a bust but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful treasures we found! The few vendors that were there had wonderful things and I am so glad we got there early! Many vendors were very kind and held onto our items while we walked around and continued shopping. 

some of the items we scored

I was so excited to find this painting for only 20€! Rob and I have visited this site; the Church of St. Sebastian twice (here and here). Behind the church is the Reiter Alpes. Near by is Lake Königssee in Berchtesgadener in Bavaria, close to the border with Austria.

Another great find was this antique French bottle drying rack for 60€. Here are some fun ways to use the rack. I probably overpaid but I knew I would regret not buying it.

I also got 2 antique spritzer bottles (20€), a wooden train (10€), skeleton keys (5€), tons of Schleich animals (all for 25€) and a letterpress tray (5€).   

Here are some tips for your trip to a flomarkt:
-Go early!
-Bring lots of smaller euros (1€, 2€, 5€, 10€ and some 20€)
-Bring bags, backpack, wagon or stroller to help carry your items
-Dress accordingly (rain boots are great because it is usually muddy)
-Keep (in your car) garbage bags and blankets to help protect your car and items from getting dirty or breaking
-It is always nice to surprise vendors with some Deutsch. Here are some easy phrases you can use:
              Good morning ..... Guten Morgen
              Excuse me ..... Entschuldigung
              Cost? ..... Kosten?
              How much? ..... Wie viel?
              Better price? ..... Besser preis?
              Thank you ..... Danke
              Many thanks ..... Vielen Dank or Danke schön
              No thanks ..... Nein Danke
              Bye ..... Tschüss or Auf Wiedersehen
-Bring a pen and paper. This is great incase you want a phone number to get more items or get something delivered. It is also great incase you can't figure out what they are saying for price. 
- Do not be afraid to haggle! I also like going with friends to group items to get better deals. 

The Homburgh Flormarkt is from 8am-2pm usually on the first Saturday of the month but here is the schedule.

Address: Rathaus Am Forum 5, 66424 Homburg 

***UPDATE***
Remember those skeleton keys covered in rust? I submerged them in a glass full of white vinegar for a few days to remove the rust. Now I just need to remove the rust from my French bottle dryer.