I think it's time to explain something about tours.
Almost without exception, every tour you go on WILL include the opportunity for shopping. Souvenir shopping.
Whether it's getting suits made in Bangkok or pottery in Vietnam, the tour guide will always include in the day's itinerary an opportunity to buy some quality local products. These are not always mentioned in the printed itinerary, but is a great opportunity to educate yourself about the local crafts.
There is an important distinction to be made here. There will be local street markets where you can buy 'similar' products for less than these factory shops are offering, and the markets are often open to bartering, something less likely in the shops the guide will take you to.
Here comes the BUT...
Too often, the products you will find in the street markets are of similar quality to what you will find in a good $2 shop back home! An occasional gem, but mostly crap! To be fair, though, for many people, that's exactly what they want. Spend a couple of bucks on a novelty present for the friends and colleagues without breaking the bank. But if you want something for yourself, or as a special present, the market often doesn't cut it.
When we were in India, we were taken to a silk house that has been in the business of weaving tapestries, scarves and other beautiful items for generations. Sarah bought a handful of scarves there. Mostly for herself, but a beautiful quality as a very special present, when required.
We later ventured out from our hotel and explored a local market. We found silk scarves for probably 60% of the cost of the first ones. But when you have handled silk, you can really feel the quality. The more expensive ones are SO much better quality. You will almost never find that quality in any street market.
So embrace the opportunity to see these factory shops the guide will take you to, with no obligation to buy. It's so much fun to see what is available in these exotic countries.
Don't be fooled, though. Some items are scary expensive. Out of reach for many, but amazing nonetheless.
Some of the most memorable, and expensive, things we have bought overseas were from these tucked-away factory shops that we didn't even know we were going to. Maybe the surprise of finding something we weren't looking for, adds to the appeal.
In the factory after the Great Wall, there were some amazing pieces of jade. Some are carved from horrendously massive blocks. Crazy huge. Many many kilos in weight. Tonnes. The largest Jade items I have EVER seen.
We didn't buy anything there, but it's always good to visit these places.
We discovered that there is actually Jade and Jadeite, or more specifically, Nephrite and Jadeite. Jadeite is harder and more expensive. Should I mention that some experts say there is no Jadeite in New Zealand? Just Nephrite and something called Bowenite. So there is Jadeite, Nephrite and Bowenite, all completely different chemically, and all called Jade. It depends who you talk to, I guess.
Other experts will tell you that for centuries, whenever the Chinese find a green stone, they call it Jade.
Not confusing at all, then...
Almost without exception, every tour you go on WILL include the opportunity for shopping. Souvenir shopping.
Whether it's getting suits made in Bangkok or pottery in Vietnam, the tour guide will always include in the day's itinerary an opportunity to buy some quality local products. These are not always mentioned in the printed itinerary, but is a great opportunity to educate yourself about the local crafts.
There is an important distinction to be made here. There will be local street markets where you can buy 'similar' products for less than these factory shops are offering, and the markets are often open to bartering, something less likely in the shops the guide will take you to.
Here comes the BUT...
Too often, the products you will find in the street markets are of similar quality to what you will find in a good $2 shop back home! An occasional gem, but mostly crap! To be fair, though, for many people, that's exactly what they want. Spend a couple of bucks on a novelty present for the friends and colleagues without breaking the bank. But if you want something for yourself, or as a special present, the market often doesn't cut it.
When we were in India, we were taken to a silk house that has been in the business of weaving tapestries, scarves and other beautiful items for generations. Sarah bought a handful of scarves there. Mostly for herself, but a beautiful quality as a very special present, when required.
We later ventured out from our hotel and explored a local market. We found silk scarves for probably 60% of the cost of the first ones. But when you have handled silk, you can really feel the quality. The more expensive ones are SO much better quality. You will almost never find that quality in any street market.
So embrace the opportunity to see these factory shops the guide will take you to, with no obligation to buy. It's so much fun to see what is available in these exotic countries.
Don't be fooled, though. Some items are scary expensive. Out of reach for many, but amazing nonetheless.
Some of the most memorable, and expensive, things we have bought overseas were from these tucked-away factory shops that we didn't even know we were going to. Maybe the surprise of finding something we weren't looking for, adds to the appeal.
In the factory after the Great Wall, there were some amazing pieces of jade. Some are carved from horrendously massive blocks. Crazy huge. Many many kilos in weight. Tonnes. The largest Jade items I have EVER seen.
We didn't buy anything there, but it's always good to visit these places.
We discovered that there is actually Jade and Jadeite, or more specifically, Nephrite and Jadeite. Jadeite is harder and more expensive. Should I mention that some experts say there is no Jadeite in New Zealand? Just Nephrite and something called Bowenite. So there is Jadeite, Nephrite and Bowenite, all completely different chemically, and all called Jade. It depends who you talk to, I guess.
Other experts will tell you that for centuries, whenever the Chinese find a green stone, they call it Jade.
Not confusing at all, then...
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