Flea market…

The other day, my hair dryer decided to call it a day.

I just had my bath and I wanted to blow dry my hair so that I would be able to get into bed right away. The old folks used to tell me never to lie down when my hair was wet as I would end up with a headache. Maybe it had something to do with the effect of the “coldness” on one’s head when one’s hair was wet, I wouldn’t know.

Anyway, back to my hair dryer, I heard a crack sound all of a sudden and a horrible burning rubber kind of smell came out of it, probably a short circuit. I quickly switched it off and threw it away.

I cannot remember when or where I bought it. It was that long ago. I am quite sure that I got it at one of those shops in the dark and narrow back lanes and alleyways in between the blocks of shophouses in the town. It was not branded, of course and I bet it did not cost more than RM20.00.

Those shops that resemble the flea markets in some countries never fail to amaze me. They have things hanging on the walls, from the ceiling, on the floor…everywhere! It’s a wonder that they can remember what they have for sale and where they have kept them!!!

No, I did not go into town to get a new hair dryer this time around. I just went to one shop near my house that sells all kinds of electrical appliances and the guy suggested this PHILIPS one…

…for RM50.00!!! Well, what do you expect? It is branded, PHILIPS no less, not some obscure brand from some back lane or alleyway.

Back in my growing up years, if a child fell sick frequently, the parents would say, “Lau eya hoi! Jepun hoi!” (Lousy stock, made in Japan) but look at Japan now! I can say that these days, it is the same with things made in China as well.

When I was in Wellington for my girl’s convocation in 2012, I got her a nice bracelet-like watch…

…but I did not know it was a New Zealand brand so I asked the lady where it was made. “If you look at all the things inside,” she said, “they are all made in China, anyway!”

Why, even this PHILIPS hair dryer was made in China…

…too!!! Those people who told me not to buy those things from the flea market shops and places like Supersave, Mr DIY and the 100% Discount shops as they were all made in China and would not last very long can go and eat their words now.

I did not like the colour though…

…so pink! There was a nice silvery grey one, same brand but the guy said it would not be as powerful and there was only a difference of RM2.00 in price. I also saw a nice PANASONIC one and the guy said that those people at the hair salons would use those. “Lu air thow moh boh no tiao, mian eyong anay kui eh!” Translation: Your hair, not even two strands, no need to use such an expensive one! OUCH!!! LOL!!!

So never mind the PINK, I paid for it and took it home.