SUMMER HOLIDAY SHOPPING// Lifestyle

SUMMER HOLIDAYS & SHOPPING ADVENTURES

We probably remember the souvenirs and knick-  knacks  we get when  we are on holidays.

From the loud printed t shirts to the small decor items.  It a bit of memorabilia we can

look at  and think, I bought when i was there in.........

Sometimes i thought okay, a nice idea to collect certain things that a regional or very traditional to

a country and unique.  



LATIN AMERICA - colourful and lively

I can recall when we took trips to mexico , the tourists would buy the sombreros, though difficult to pack, (if you like to wear a large hat on the flight)

     Something I do remember getting were maracas  ,

those instruments that are nice to decorate with. A few colourful wraps, silver   and mexican pottery the lovely blue vases with the sunflower designs  Bringing back memories of the trips is one of the nice things about traveling to other countries.

EUROPE - grand & elegant

Or when in  europe visiting Amsterdam for the first time, had to get a art book from the Riiks museum and of course Van Gogh art. 

In the UK the traditional red telephone booth filled with english toffee is a 

novel item and useful coin holder. 

The scandinavian countries the  famous Swedish Boda glass and crystal, Danish modern design  silver jewelry or Norway's traditional wool sweaters or mitts. 

MIDDLE EAST  - history 

A trip to Egypt then its a memento of etched brass Pyramid, a colourful handwoven wool rug that i love with all the scenes of life in the country, or handprinted papyrus .

AUSTRIA  GERMANY - art nouveau  craftism

Austria also has the stunning artwork and music , especially the Klimt art one of my favourites.

Germany is one country i had to look to find something that was unique or traditional, 

beer steins are big there, but i don't drink beer.   

So it was hard for me to find something I would use. 

The one thing I noted was the artisans crafters were very important and the

designs were interesting , especially clothing. There are small shops that sell the designs of

different designers, which I found really interesting. The shops are in various neighbourhoods.

Definitely not your usual shopping experience, but so much more interesting.

So in summer I bought a mohair knit that was

handmade, I love it because it is so , so soft and comfortable. 

Each country has so much to see and collect,  that it is one way to keep the memory

 with you from the journeys and special moments.

So what are somethings you collected or bought on your holidays? 

Do you collect spoons, coffee mugs or books , postcards?  

Would love to know what are some of your favourites.