I was gifted a Samsung cell phone two years ago. I loved it. The reason was its sharp camera and speedy access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest to upload pictures. I enjoyed instant gratification and the pouring in of comments.

Then, I got mugged and didn’t have the heart and the pocket to buy another Samsung.

I must declare here that iPhone still hasn’t been able to woo me despite its popularity and people singing its praises.

This year, I again got a Samsung cell phone as a gift on my birthday. Since then I have been on a shooting spree.

I find the phone camera extremely liberating. Unlike the traditional camera, it doesn’t attract any attention when you focus on something in a crowded place. It’s light in weight and gives good results. At least this is what my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts bear proof of: several likes and comments in no time!

When you have the freedom to shoot and capture anything and everything that tickles your fancy, what else can be a better place than Karachi’s famous Sunday or Itwaar Bazaar?

The flea market offers almost all things that are deemed necessary to build a house… and a life. From grocery to fruits, cloth to clothes, books to food, bags and shoes to bras and golf kits, toys to cosmetics -- all available at reasonable to amazingly low prices -- Karachi’s fabulous Sunday Bazaar is a treat for all and sundry. I have spotted designers, artists, media personalities, society aunties treasure hunting on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The bazaar is extremely democratic and free, a real public space. People from all sorts of economic and social strata mingle and bargain, shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s not an unusual sight to see women, wearing burqas or sleeveless shirts, bargaining with the same shopkeeper on the same item.

Many a time I have chanced upon real antiques. I have spotted antique furniture, intricate cast iron grills, hand-painted bowls, plates and teapots, and so much more. Once a friend got a rare Gardner Russian teapot for just Rs200 from a Pathan seller!

Karachiites do not compromise on two things on a weekend: beach and Sunday Bazaar. I bought some old long play records (LPs) which are now called vinyls. My grandmother used to call them tawas (girdle) as they were flat and black. Dr Zhvivago, West Side Story and the musical score played on the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana are among those LPs. I have heard they have become collector items now. I bought them for nostalgic value.

I always urge travellers visiting Karachi to include a Sunday in their itinerary. A trip to Sunday Bazaar becomes one of the highlights of their travel -- the best entertainment available for nothing.

These are few glimpses, thanks to my lovely phone camera.