Scorpiorose

The one that I saw that WAS made in Greece was about 175 Euros. The workmanship was beautiful. The ones that I bought were for occasional use and the style and design were more important than the fact that they were not made in Greece.

Ouch......that is a big price.....I would only get one then......thanks

Yep, alot of them come from China or elsewhere.

 

While in Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar we stopped at a pashmina stall...... they had all sizes, shapes, colors and of course........ some cheap and some not so cheap. Check the tags - all the ones I have looked at all over the Mediterranean have had tags. Cashmere is something that can be felt..... you can't mistake the feel of real cashmere ! Many in the tourist stalls are made from synthetics or blends. You can tell by the feel and the look. Shiny is not good !

 

Hum....ok, I suppose thinner too?

We purchased 3 for dh's secretaries (mid price - a blend) and one absolutely drop dead gorgeous one for his mother......it was made in Turkey (had a tag!) and even with bargaining it was $$big bucks$$. But all handmade (you can tell !) and embroidered etc.... She loved it.

 

what does big bucks mean?

A tag saying what? Just stating where is was made so you know not china?

 

Like any other fine souvenier - research what you are planning on buying.... how to tell a good one, the price and just be prepared to bargain for the good ones !

Perfect, this is all helpful....and sounds like somethign I'd like to get, still need to knwo what big bucks is?

Just so long as you realize that pashminas do not come from Greece. In all likelihood they are selling knock offs made in China, just like the $7 ones you can buy in NY Chinatown. Yes, they are soft and make great presents, but buyer beware. A real pashmina, will cost you a lot more $.

how can you tell the difference?

How much.....can't wait to get a bunch for xmas gifts...they are soft I take it....

The first time I was there (2004) I bought a pair of gold/silver hoop earrings. I still wear them 24/7. I only take them out once or twice a year. I went to a very nice jewelry store and I aslo got a nice discount. I also purchased a couple small vases/urns. Small enough to put in my luggage.

 

This past year I purchased pashminas for myself and as gifts. The prices range from about 10 Euros to several hundred. Most of the other ladies in our group purchased a nice piece of jewelry.

 

I also purchased Ouzo candy balls. They are very good.

What are pashminas? I take it you can negotiate prices even in the stores?

Due to the price of gold, I switched to silver. I fell in love with the Blue Lapis stone in Greece and bought many pieces. Two bracelets, two rings, and a pendant. Then for my birthday my friend bought me another pendant. And none of the pieces were over $50. I want to say in the $15 - $35 range. They all have the Greek symbology as well as the Blue Lapis stone. So anytime I wear them, I immediately think of Greece.

 

Then a special treat in Sirince (Kusadasi port stop) we found a great jewlery store where my friend found a moonstone pendant and I found a jade & Marquisite pendant. The store took US dollars and I only had $40, so even though he wanted $50, he discounted it to the $40. I was happy. I now wear that pendant almost everyday on a silver chain I bought on the ship at the "per inch" kiosk.

 

If you can't tell, I love jewelry and usually buy some wherever we travel. It doesn't take much room in the luggage and you always have something to remember a place by.

This all sounds good, I love earrings and love the signature pieces that represent a place......silver is my favorite......thanks for the tips

why not wait until you get there and buy an item that has meaning or significance to you?

if I know what is available I might bypass that immediate impulse buy and wait, looking for these special items.....

I may save for a piece of special jewelry, I see some offered on line, I like that idea. Ouzo (ah I know it well), olive oil soap(s),honey, and I WILL most definately be eating my way through as much baklava - my favorite!

I'm making a list......all sound wonderful!

Corfu, Katakolon, Mykonos, Santorini.....

What is a good keep sake to buy in each port $5 - $100???

well.....just before boarding the ship from Aruba....we decided to have a mojito billed as the "worlds best mojito or it's free" before getting on the ship......

well.....5 mojitos later....and yes, they were the worlds best mojitos....we headed back to the ship, must have been the sun but my husband had to throw me over his shoulder and carry me on the ship, while I waved good-bye to everyone, waving, giggling, laughing, blowing kisses......for the rest of the trip everyone who saw that would wave and say hello with a sly smile...I was embarrassed!

:Dand don't forget.....$1 sunglasses and sunscreen!!! A sun hat.....snacks for the airport, nuts.....gum, small mirror to see the back of your head....batteries..AAA & AA.....sticky notes for your door......scrap booking stickers and embellishments for scrapbooking your trip when you come back.....baby wipes.....air freshener......scarf for dusty horse/buggy rides.....sorry if I repeated any items.....there are so many....

or...go to your favorite cosmetic counter and ask for samples of your make up and perfume!!!

Wow, I love it!!! Great tips.....I think you forgot the following:p:

Umbrella

Air Freshener

tote bags that fold into a ball

I'll keep adding as I think of things! Great idea because you can leave almost everything there, leaving room for your take home treasures!

I'm so glad I'm not crazy, I'm totally hooked on this show and I'm a little scared, can't wait until Wednesdays! what to do after next wednesday....what will we do?:cool: