UNO: Study Abroad in Writing

The market in San Miguel is actually pretty awesome. You can get everything from the typical touristy stuff here, to fine jewelry, handmade crafts (pottery, baskets, tiny beaded items, etc), to food. It stretches on for what seems liek an eternity. I lusted after a chunky red necklace of fine coral. Prices for that ranged from about six hundred pesos (about $60) on up to about $1500 pesos. It is the real thing, and coral has gone up a lot. I refrained from purchasing it, much to my chagrin. But you can get necklaces of coral, turquoise, jade, amber, jet, and jasper, and just about everything in between. The colors are gorgeous, and while the craftsmanship varies, everyone seems open to bargaining. Go to the market, but don’t go on an empty stomach, like I did. You’ll want to give yourself time to find what you like, and then make sure you can’t find the same thing two stalls down for two hundred pesos less…. We bought everything frombarrettes made of abalone shell and mother of pearl, to chip and dip pottery trays. I did get two handmade journals for two of my roommates, both of whom are graduating. They were made of fine paper, and were handpainted with Dia De Los Muertes scenes on the front. I think my roommates liked them alot, and I plan on getting one for myself when I go back. These journals were all of 6o pesos (less than 6 dollars) each…. One thing to remember, though - this market is more what we would call a flea market. Its cash only ladies and gents! And also, may of the people selling these wares made them themselves. And they all seem quite desperate for the sale, which can be a bit hard, as nobody can buy everything, nor even something from everyone.

Tags: San Miguel //