Former government-run electrical 'Factory 798' has been recycled with the same name to currently serve as a popular international art exchange centre, complete with bars and galleries. Originally designed by Russian and East German engineers, the bleak complex is now used to transform mundane objects into art.

Unfortunately for us, a gallery of former communist scenes was closed on Monday, the day we were there, so we spent more time at the indoor tourist trap mecca of Ya Show where our group bought fake Rolexes and jewellery. One watch had expired by the next day, but the rest were still ticking along at the end of our trip. As I wandered around the booths a salesgirl playfully picked items from a back pocket of my photo vest before giving them back to me as her friends giggled. Loved it.