Whenever
we descend on a foreign location for vacationing, shopping for keepsakes
is regarded a task as essential as the regular sightseeing tours. While
Goa is famous for its splendid beauty, it is also a shopper's paradise
with a vast wealth of indigenous artifacts. But more than the shopping
items, it's the composite shopping experience in Goa that will leave you
mesmerized.
The real joy of shopping in Goa can only be experienced in the local
markets and the flea markets in the Goan beaches. These bustling local
markets are a kaleidoscope of rural Goa with villagers of the
neighboring areas bringing their agricultural produce. The Friday market
of Mapusa is particularly famous among the local markets. The Goa
beaches too are shopping havens with noisy vendors feverishly trying to
outbid each other. The Wednesday flea market of Anjuna beach is world
famous with an astounding variety of shopping attractions.
As far as the shopping items are concerned, you will get the
opportunity to choose from a wide range of artifacts and momentos.
Artifacts made of shell work, bamboo work, brassware, curios and old
coins, trinkets made of stones and corals, artifacts made of papier-mache,
carved furniture, and beachwear are some of the popular entries in
shopping carts.
While you bask in this shopping extravaganza, make it a thumb rule to
bargain to your heart's content. In most cases, the quoted price is far
higher than the actual price and use your persuasion and negotiation
skills while bargaining with the feisty Goan vendors.