If you're a design addict, then you're probably already familiar with the popular blog, Design*Sponge. Grace Bonney turned her obsession into a full-time job, featuring some of the best independent artists and designers from around the globe. But that's not all they've been doing lately, Grace and her team of designhounds have been creating stellar city guides for the past few years. If you love Eames, all things handmade, or indie artists; look no further. The next time you're on the road, these guides will point you to the best shops, snacks and sites to get your design fix.
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When you think of culture and travel, the first thing that comes to mind might be art museums, architecture, or music. But what about something more mundane, like the grocery store? National Geographic Traveler introduces the idea of a grocery store as a cultural resource, in an article titled "So What's For Dinner?"
Get your cheap on. Whether you're on a trip and looking for a cheaper place to get souvenirs, or you're looking for a fun day trip in, and around, your home town, the hunt for thrift stores offers something for everyone. Want a unique t-shirt to remember your vacation by, but don't want to drop $20 at a tourist trap? Hit up your local Goodwill and dig through their racks. We've had visitors strike souvenir gold in several different cities, so no matter where you are traveling (at least in North America) you're likely to find something up your alley, while supporting a worthy cause.
For many westerners, the thought of having to haggle back and forth with shopkeepers is as foreign as you can get. After all, we're used to paying a set price without even batting an eyelash. However, If you want to shop in much of the world, you're going to have to do a little bargaining. With a few basic rules and some practice, you'll be able to haggle without breaking a sweat.
Have you ever found yourself lost in an Italian market? I don't mean physically lost, but overwhelmed by the sights and sounds one finds there. It almost seems like you've stepped into another world.
Michelle's charming account on her blog, Bleeding Espresso, reminds us to slow down and take a lesson from the pros when visiting an Italian market.
So, you want to get some shopping on while you're abroad....who do you turn to? Your ever trusting guidebook? Hardly. Who needs advice on where to buy the best t-shirt, when we can spot that for ourselves. Save the occasional cool find in Time Out, we've never relied on guidebooks for our retail therapy. Here's where we turn for shopping advice when we're in a new city.
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard that Padova has one of the best open air markets in Italy. How often do you shop there? What do you buy? Guidebooks like to portray Italians as shopping for fresh food at the market every day, but is this reality? What are your suggestions for a tourist who wants to try shopping at a real Italian market?















