Things to Bring Home

Besides the usual array of photos, used entry tickets, brochures from "must see" spots, and the inevitable pile of dirty laundry (bring a plastic shopping bag to stow that in, or use it as Charles Carlson does, to wrap bottles of the local spirits before putting them in your checked luggage), I like to spend some time perusing the local charity shops, flea markets (be sure to keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas), covered and open air markets, pharmacies and supermarkets.  I have found some interesting stuff in these places when I travel. 

I found an interesting copper etching of Durham Cathedral while I was looking around a charity shop there.  It cost me 2 pounds sterling, and it is now part of my travel art collection.  In Rouen, France, I bought some very nice talcum powder because I forgot to bring mine from home.  The French product proved to be vastly superior.  When I go to Europe, I often stop at a pharmacy just to see if they carry that brand.  If I see it, I buy at least two more.

Flea markets are fun to go to for both people watching and for picking up some interesting items.  I bought a lovely brooch in London some time ago that was a small embroidery of flowers and deer...a steal at 3 pounds.  Alas, I bought nothing at the flea market in Budapest, but had fun watching people.

My friend, Brian, told me about some face cream that is made in Hungry, and I bought some at the central market in Budapest. I actually bought several and gave them to friends as gifts telling them what I had learned in Budapest, that it is made from sunflower stems and was smuggled into the US by the Gabor sisters who used it to keep their skin supple.  I now order it online...no need to ship it through Canada like Cuban cigars.

But by far, the best local market to visit has got to be the local supermarket. It is here that you get a real feel for what the locals eat and products they use in preparing their day-to-day meals.  This is how I discovered PG Tips Tea, which I can now get stateside at Fairway or Key Food.  I also have found it to be a place to buy interesting gifts for folks back home. Chocolate, I must say, is one of the things I buy and bring back, but I have also found that things like fleur de sel, flavored olive oils, marmalades, jarred peso and other condiments, nut butters, Nutella, and even honey are unusual and interesting tokens for family and friends back home.

And I have to admit, that I had more fun this time around in Rome, more precisely at the Vatican buying Pope tchotchkes: prayer cards, key rings, playing cards, pocket calendars and the ultimate "popeners", a combination kitchen magnet, bottle opener, and laminated picture of a smiling and waving Pope Francis I.  Perhaps some may think these irreverent, but I think they are a fun way to honor the new pontiff.

So, when in Rome: Go to the supermarket...when at the Vatican: stop at one of those street stands and have fun!