Shopping .. last days

Have left quite a bit of shopping until the last.  That way I have a good idea of what I want - certainly looked around plenty!!!!  There's so much here - but I really don't NEED anything for myself.  Some things are really cheap.  Where else can you buy 3 pairs of earrings for S/5 or around $2???  Yes I have some of those!

There's just some lovely experiences...

I bought some of these lovely passport covers -

Bargained to two-thirds of the price.  Before we even said we wanted any, she had dropped the price by S/3 ... which is the price I previously paid.  So we asked for lower price for quantity, and she readily accepted.  It's not always that easy, and we don't always do it.  But the interesting thing was that as we left the store she handed us both a 'regalo' - gift.  Two pens with Peruvian characters on the top.  Amazing!!!

I also bought some of these wrist bands.  So colourful and CHEAP  .. S/1 each.  Same prices as 5 years ago.  Have seen similar ones on sale in France and Australia - but not even for $1.  So I bought 10..... was given an extra one as well.  When the items were packaged and money exchanged, The lady gave me a BIG hug .... Gracias.  Amazing.  She sells lots of hand made jewellery, makes a lot there herself, and I've only ever bought these cheap wrist bands.

I'm starting to wonder if these people recognise me .... or do they know this is my last shopping spree.  We are finally going home???  

Not all shopping experiences are as pleasant.  There are LOTS of traders walking the streets trying to sell paintings, musical instruments, dolls, hats, scarves, jumpers, photos....... etc

Many of these traders are young women carrying bags of goods as well as a baby on their back.  They are trying to make a living, but they really don't give up.  NO apparently means 'maybe'.  Carrying bags of last minute shopping we were an obvious target ... 'bags' means 'hey these people are buying!!'  A young lady selling beanies was very persistent.  I made a mistake of showing slight interest - after all they are really nice.... and she was dropping her price with each NO, but were were soon confronted with about 6 others trying to get a look in with their wares.  Lex was sooooo unimpressed.  'Not polite' words were spoken but she followed us for another block before giving up.  I really would have bought one .... but I had really spent everything I was carrying that day.

Oh well .... one more shopping day to go.  Wonder what treasures that may bring.