first shopping experience...

today the girls and i went to san lorenzo market about 10 minutes from our apartment. it is right next to the duomo and is a popular place for both tourists and locals. there are big carts set up on the streets selling anything and everything leather, scarves, soccer jerseys, jewelry and glass art. the whole experience was so exciting but completely overwhelming. it took us 4 hours to get through the entire thing. its a little frustrating because i knew that i wanted to get a leather bag and gloves and jacket--i figured that italy would be the best place to get them. and while i found TONS of beautiful things, they were all more expensive than i had expected. we all agreed that since we are here for so long, we have time to be picky and we didnt need to buy things right away--but its hard to know where to get the best value for the best price. we went from cart to cart looking at EVERYTHING and making a mental note of the prices so that we could compare and contrast with the other vendors. we met one vendor who spoke wonderful english and when i asked where she was from she said canada. she went on and on saying how she would look out for us and help us find what we needed. she told us that not everything is authentic even though it may look and feel like italian leather. but after we had finished talking with her, we realized that she may not even be from canada--maybe she just learned english because it helps american customers to trust her. the minute we heard her speak we all felt a little at ease--but you cant help but feel skeptical underneath it all. its hard to know that you cant really trust anyone to give you honest answers--its all about money and how much they can get you to buy. after the 4 hours of looking, i was the only one who still hadnt bought anything. i then found the most adorable pair of leather gloves at the last cart. they were camel brown with red stitching all over with a cashmere lining inside--but when i heard the price i had to say no. that particular vendor was not in the mood to debate prices with me. i know that i have plenty of time to find just the right bag, jacket and pair of gloves, but it would be nice to use them while i am here which is why i wanted to try and find them towards the beginning. at least i have an idea of what i am looking for after today. we all are planning to go back again and i think ill take bubba there when he gets in town.

tonight we are making dinner at the apartment and staying in! tomorrow morning we are leaving for lucca, assisi, pisa, perugia, san gimignano, siena, greve in chianti and vicchiomaggio castel (castle) for wine tasting. we will be gone for 3 days!!

i did find a cord to upload pictures but our internet connection is a little slow so as soon as i get back from the weekend trip, i will spend some time and put them on the page. 

have a wonderful weekend!!!!

lovelovelove