Decorating your home is never easy, and one of the reasons why that is may,in fact, be the multitude of choices. When you enter a store or an online shop, you have so many options that your head spins. However, we all know that all the items you see lack something. I think we can all agree that they lack authenticity. It may seem a horrible thing to say, for some people, but the truth is that having authentic pieces of home décor in your house is important for some of us, which is why we make an effort to make our home look as authentic as possible. Do you know where you can buy authentic pieces? Bazaars.
There are plenty of bazaars around the world where you can buy the most amazing items, and while I do not advise anyone to travel to another continent just for simple home decoration, it may be useful to be in the know next time you go on vacation. Below you will find some of the world’s most amazing bazaars.
Jaipur, India
India without street markets is like Thanksgiving without stuffing. You just cannot have it any other way. The streets of Jaipur are filled with vendors that are ready to bargain. You can buy beaded clothing, pottery, jewelry, ceramics, and if you have a thing for carpets, you can buy one or two as well. The colorful markets are open almost every day, and if you know anything about the Rajasthan arts and crafts, then you know that you are in for a treat.
Guadalajara, Mexico
You need to look for Tonala, which is something like a Guadalajara suburb. The market days are on Thursdays and Sundays, and you can find exceptional pieces there. You can go home with anything from small handmade items to artwork and furniture. What you need to know is that most things are very colorful, so if you are into something more minimalistic, this may not be the best place for you. If, however, you like as much color as possible in your home, the Tonala market is what you are looking for. It is worth the trip to Mexico.
Istanbul, Turkey
We cannot talk about bazaars without mentioning Turkey. After all, the people there are pros when it comes to street markets. You will find all kinds of shops. Street shops, street markets, covered markets, and while there are more markets than you can possibly imagine, you will not have the chance of exploring all of them. They can be found on both sides of the Bosphorus. As for what you can find there, and I am referring to something other than gold, you will be pleasantly surprised. Your nose will always remember the smell of countless spices, but the metal work is stunning. You can get the most beautiful pieces there. Quick tip: the best bargains can be found in residential areas.
Cairo, Egypt
When you travel to Egypt for antiquities, you need something other than travel documents. You probably need a visa. But other than that, real antiques require a license. Just make sure that you are careful since counterfeits are quite common. Some people agree that Cairo is a trap for tourists as far as souvenirs are concerned. You need some expertise to make the difference since the counterfeiters have their own. They are very good. You can ask the locals where they buy the real stuff. They should know best.
Bazaars are all over the world. There is always that place where you can go for some authentic pieces that portray a culture’s icon. You need to have some bargaining skills as well. Some markets, like the one in Asia, for example, are famous for their bargaining games. In some bazaars, that skill is a requirement. It is more of an experience rather than a simple transaction.
Traveling for purchases may seem like overdoing it, but when you go on vacation, it will not hurt to hit the local bazaars. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, you can at least get some inspiration. Lucky for you, that is free.
This article is sponsored by MyPassportPhotos.