UnDiplomatic Wife

  • About TDW
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • AS SEEN ON
    • Collaborate
    • Policies
  • Diplo Picks
    • Diplo Mama
    • Diplo Home
    • Diplo Tummy
    • Diplo Tips
    • Diplo Travel
    • Diplo Style
    • Diplo Baby
    • Diplo Inspiration
  • Living in
    • BERLIN
      • good to know
      • to do
      • food & drink
      • shopping
    • JAKARTA
      • good to know
      • to do
      • food & drink
      • shopping
    • MANILA
      • good to know
      • to do
      • food & drink
      • shopping
    • GENEVA
      • geneva good to know
  • TRAVEL DIARIES
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Greece
    • Indonesia
    • Japan
    • Malaysia
    • Myanmar
    • Netherlands
    • Philippines
    • Poland
    • Spain
    • Singapore
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • BERLIN 2022 ITINERARY

STEAL DEAL: Antiquing at Jalan Surabaya

May 3, 2011

I brought my MIL (mother-in-law) to go antiquing because I was sure she would love it. She had no plans of buying anything or so she said but after the first purchase, the summer heat seemed to lift from her and she was energized!

She loved the thrill of a good bargain and before you know it she was doing her whole spiel of asking the price, giving the price she thought was the right one and walking away to see if the seller would give it at the price she said. Considering that my MIL is “buleh” or caucasian we were getting exorbitant prices. So I didn’t feel bad at all that she was doing her best to bargain.

So many chandeliers and plates!

Many odds and ends like these painting and russian dolls – which according to my MIL were real.

Not everything is antique so you gotta watch out. Many of them are just made to look old, some not so much but beautiful anyway. My MIL is better at looking at antiques so I’m glad I went with her!

There were so many puppets – traditional ones and…well… not so traditional ones! Can you spot which puppet is out of place here? =P

Brass miniature dining table and chairs

Pictured in the middle is the Rama and Sita wood carving that I got.

We both got a Rama and Sita wood carving. My MIL’s was bigger and made of old hardwood. Mine is smaller and new. I though hers was a good deal for Rp 100,000 or USD 10, while mine was a bit overpriced for 75,000 IDR  because of the difference in quality. Mine was not hardwood, and just made to look old. My MIL’s was much heavier and the dark patina was not just painted over as mine was. Though if you don’t touch it, you wont notice it as much.

Retro shades and lots of blinged out jewelry

I loved how this store was dark except for a beautiful chandelier at the end.

We didn’t finish the entire street because my FIL was hungry (and bored out of his wits I’m sure) and it was getting really hot – it was past lunch already! Good bye Jalan Surabaya! I will definitely be back!

4 Comments · jakarta shopping

Comments

  1. Chuzai Living says

    May 4, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Wow, hot stuff!! Cikini and Surabaya seem to be the two streets that are popular for antique shopping! The photos made me think that this street must be a heaven for antique lovers! You’re such a good daughter-in-law. Good for your MIL that she was bargaining. I wonder if it is harder to bargain as a buleh as opposed to a foreign Asian like us. Did you buy those sunglasses? The typewriter looks lovely. Do you know how much? My girls would love it. Serious. Lovely photos as always! Kaho

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      May 4, 2011 at 4:55 PM

      I’m not sure if the price they give is higher to bules versus asians like us. Or if they give the same price to all foreigners! I’m sure we get a different price because we are obviously not local but my MIL drives a hard bargain. I swear! For the sculpture that she got they at first told her 350k. She ended up getting it for 100k! She’s an expert. I hope to be able to bargain as well one day! Have you been to Jl. Surabaya? I’ve never been to Cikini but would love to check it out too!

      Reply
  2. Starlet Starlet says

    May 6, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    AAAhhh I want to go!!!

    The chandelier at the last one is gorgeous. And I also want the scale and fan. So very cute.

    Would love to see the Rama & Sinta shots at your guys home 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. TRAVEL DIARIES ✈ Things to know when visiting Indonesia | The Diplomatic Wife says:
    October 6, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    […] in malls and other expat frequented places. However if you go to the Monas, National Museums or the flea market/antique street I wouldn’t recommend super skimpy attire so as not to shock the locals to much. When I say […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome

Hello! I’m Ayessa, trailing spouse to a diplomat, mama to DiploBaby and DiploDog and founder of Declutter MNL. I love talking about how to achieve a minimaluxe lifestyle one step at a time.

READ MORE
 

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

GENEVA FINDS: Mabuhay Filipino Store

TURIN BITES: Cioccolatitaliani Gelato & Pancakes

What are the Big Pipes Criss-crossing Berlin?

BERLIN BITES: Poco Loco Mexican Cantina

BERLIN FINDS: McArthur Glen Designer Outlet

DISCLOSURE

I am an Amazon affiliate, but all opinions are my own. The content of all my blog and social media posts are products and experiences that I truly enjoy and I only work with brands that fit my life and style.

GOOD TO KNOW GUIDE

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @UNDIPLOMATICWIFE

Copyright © 2023 · Designed by Fancy Girl Design Studio.