Shopping Mall in Nagoya

Before having dinner at Miyuki, we had to kill time before our reservation so we decided to walk to Aeon Mall. I love shopping but I think I get more excited with window shopping more plus it doesn't cost a penny to do it.

I noticed that most malls in Japan are always empty so I have no idea how the stores ever make money. Maybe I went on a weekday when everyone was working. But even the Eaton's Centre has more people milling around on a weekday.

I get excited window shopping in Japan because everything is so kawaii!! (cute)! I always guard my purse though because kawaii means spending money for me. Haha.

I wanted to buy a lot of kitchen equipment but thankfully I have no room inside my luggage so that was safe for me.

And I love all the simple furniture's. Totally my style!

I wanted that couch! Looks super comfortable!

I can't believe it's February already. It's my birthday month! And I can't wait to celebrate it. Getting old isn't so bad when you have freedom to do what you want. Although, this past couple of weeks hasn't been the easiest, I know the only way to get through any set backs is to keep on going. Never give up! 

Shopping in Japan Part I

Shopping in Japan is so much fun even if you are just window shopping. There is no shortage of "kawaii" (cute) items to buy. I find it exciting to discover new things so walking around at a mall or shops is an adventure for me already! 

Shopping at La Crucecita, Mexico

I enjoy shopping when I'm abroad. I usually do a quick google before I leave to find out what I should buy in each particular destination. My sister's already told me to buy them vanilla as a souvenir gift in Mexico.

On our first trip to La Crucecita, we walked around the town and got a feel on where to shop and mentally noted down prices from different stores. I love supporting local vendors and I'm trying to buy more practical items as a souvenir and not another key chain.

I loved the market and that's where we mainly shopped. I also went to the grocery store to browse each aisle for things I could buy that we don't have in Toronto. I found a special hot sauce for a friend of mine and lots of coffee that I could buy as souvenir.

I ended up buying vanilla (liquid and pod), mezcal, chocolates, coffee, and blankets.

I always recommend taking a lap around the market and asking for prices before you start purchasing. Being a tourist has it's pitfalls and it's sometimes having to pay a WHOLE lot more when you shop but it never hurts to bargain. Always have small change and of course cash is key.

Asakusa: Don Quijote store

While walking around Asakusa, we stumbled upon Don Quijote. I have heard of this store before so I went inside to have a peek. I ended up shopping a lot!

Bought souvenirs and snacks. It's such a big store - at least 3-5 floors selling houseware, food, clothing, accessories, travel items, make-up, etc. You can find pretty much everything here. I took advantage of it. I even went to another Don Quijote in Osaka for more shopping!

Street Life 3

outside Las Bovedas

Chiva party bus

Las Bovedas

An afternoon spent strolling around Las Bovedas in Cartagena for souvenir shopping. The cells in the dungeon has been converted into shopping boutiques. Each shops essentially sells Colombian made products such as jewellery, clothing, glassware, etc. I bought a couple of earrings from one of the shops. And of course before you purchase you must always bargain for the price! 

If you want less touristy shops, go outside the walls of the Old City where you can find shops that sells all kinds of items.