Think Outside of the Grocery Store

Filed in archive Latin Culture on March 21, 2008

I'm convinced you can find anything at a Mexican market. If you don't mind the noise, you could certainly live there.

Where do you find them? Everywhere: set outdoor market locations, by the road side, outside the bus stop, in plazas, in underground crosswalks, near churches, around state parks, and even in night club bathrooms-at least in the ladies room.

On this last one, I'm not just talking lipstick and feminine products. I've seen places that are so well stalked a woman can and change her appearance almost completely in one restroom visit. About the only thing missing was a shoe rack.

But the best are the ones with unofficial vendors. Many cities have a sort of farmers market that sets up camp once a week, known as a tiangüis. Though food is the main product, you can also pick up a pair of shorts, some candles, and a parakeet. And these are the markets where you can really bargain and barter. I've gotten the best deals from these informal vendors.

If you've never bargained, it's actually easy and can be fun. Here are a few tips:

* The first price you're given is the starting price... no one expects you to pay it.
* Be friendly... haggling is a common practice and not seen as an aggressive competition.
* Don't go anywhere near your money until the absolutely final price is agreed on.
* If you live in the area, make sure they know it... locals get better prices.
* Always be willing to walk away... or to overpay.