[Culturechat] Shopping

[Andrea Szyper]

Hello, friends!
I hope you are not too bogged down in holiday shopping. I know it's easy to 
lose a little of the meaning of the season as we race from mall to mall.

As the gift-giving season is upon us, I am wrapping Christmas gifts for 
family and friends. I went to Italy in November and brought many gifts back 
with me, so my holiday shopping was fun this year: scanning the outdoor 
markets and artisans' stalls in Florence for the right scarf for my mother 
or pottery for friends.

It got me wondering how much shopping you all do on your travels. Do you 
bring back gifts for others or significant souvenirs for yourself? Is it 
Swiss chocolate, Gouda from Holland, a good Tuscan wine to share with 
friends? Or more durable and personal goods you'll keep to invoke memories?

How can we capture the essence of a culture or an experience in an item we 
buy at market? Is it worthwhile to try, or can shopping distract us from 
experiencing a place or culture in a more meaningful way?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Holidays!
Andrea Szyper
Untours, the Italian Team

P.S.
I "captured Italy" on this trip with a new pair of boots, some truffle 
paste and wine for myself.

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