Thursday, January 5, 2012

MARKET MAKER

While I may say I like to "just relax" on vacation, the truth is that by the fourth day I'm beyond restless and no amount of swimming or pool bar posing can quench my thirst for a little adventure.  My husband is usually up for a road trip too, so when I suggested that we head out early one morning  and look for the weekly market in the little town of La Romana, he was game. I was glad to have his company on the trip-I knew that his excellent command of Spanish coupled with his stealth NYC driving skills (better than most fearless taxi drivers) would prove invaluable as we made our way around a very sketchy neighborhood. I find that one of the best moments of a road trip is the anticipation of what you may find.  Will there be gorgeous woven bags, beaded wraps, perhaps a handmade necklace crafted of fine Dominican amber?  Unfortunately no such trinkets awaited us at the market that day. The stalls were mostly filled with sarongs made in China and kitschy shot glasses, but I did find some lovely shell bracelets-weighty, tropical pieces that look fantastic with a holiday tan. I took them home and will wear them this summer, my something found on our little adventure.


Do you like to travel off the beaten path on your vacation?

15 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Hi Barbara..yes we always venture off to explore, and love markets, and such. Looks like you were able to find at least a few fun souveneirs from your trip! Nothing like finding a special something to remind you of a wonderful vacation but on our last trip to Mexico when we were in San Migel del Allende, and were exploring all the local stands of jewelry, I realized the world has become so global that just about everything is available eveywhere, dont' you find that too to a degree? Beautiful highlights!

Gwen Driscoll said...

Yes, always have to explore...so fun..glad you all are having a great time. Can't wait to see more!

designchic said...

I love to travel off the beaten path...learn the most when I do, and any market is my heaven!! So glad you're having a great trip ~

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

I do! I am thirsting for adventure right now. It's the children's school schedule that ties us down so, but I know these years are limited.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Barbara-
Thank you for sharing the market. It is interesting to see markets in other countries. Love the bracelets and the way the shells fit together.
Have anise day.
Teresa
xoxo

Jalon Burton said...

You are the girl! I love to pick up just a little something 'local' to bring home and remind me of the trip... little glance at the item and I am swept back to that vacation spot with the sights, smells, and content joy of being on vacation in a different land.

What great finds! Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos....

jalonburton.blogspot.com

Acquired Objects said...

Hello Barbara, yes we're always going off the beaten track in search of whatever. We have found some of the best antique shops in Italy and places to dine in France and all at half the price of the bigger cities. Love wandering and seeing where the road will take us. Love your braclets!

Hugs!
Debra

Acquired Objects said...

Hello Barbara, yes we're always going off the beaten track in search of whatever. We have found some of the best antique shops in Italy and places to dine in France and all at half the price of the bigger cities. Love wandering and seeing where the road will take us. Love your braclets!

Hugs!
Debra

Unknown said...

Absolutely! I love lounging, but at a certain point I need some "activity". When we were in Antigua this year, I went zip lining with my boys. The perfect foil to working on a tan!

xoxo Elizabeth

CDS said...

My mom goes almost every year to La Romana. I think we like to venture off the beaten path...so long as we know what we are getting ourselves into! ;)

Anonymous said...

I love markets too, when we're in the south of France I always head to the local antique markets, I never buy anything I just love rummaging around.

Vannessa@Luxuria said...

Absolutely!!! And I'm always looking for local markets where ever I am.

Ange @ A Cream Cottage said...

I love markets. You never know what you might find. We have some great markets called the Eumundi Markets which I always like to visit every year. They have such a mix and variety of things that I always manage to buy something. Enjoy wearing your purchases. Ange

Annie H. said...

I love markets and collect all kinds of jewelry especially turquoise. Too bad it was a let down but I bet the experience was still fun. Looks like a fun trip.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Definitely! What a fun trip!