Travel usually exposes us to different things than we have at home - at least if we're adventurous. Even in the US, we experience different foods, different local art. When we travel to other countries, there's even more exposure.
Sometimes we bring back souvenirs or gifts for our family, colleagues or friends. Sometimes we bring something back for ourself, to remind us of the trip as well as the area.
It's all too easy to clutter up a home, so when I buy I want to bring home beautiful things that are also useful, that not only represent the area, but that I'll enjoy. It can be from a gallery, a shop, an antique store, or even a flea market. Why not visit a renowned flea market in London or Paris if you're there on the right day of the week? You might get a silver toast holder, for example, for less than you'd pay for a t-shirt. Don't need a toast holder? Use it to hold your mail or your bills to be paid.
What's your most memorable purchase?
Sharon, Having grown up in Florida and seeing all the souvenirs for the tourists I was amazed the variety of stuff people could bring back from their trips. I'm with you, find some things that are useful, or art that you can put in your home, not just junk.
Gary - it's amazing how much junk is sold - obviously buyers are buying it.
Sharon, many years ago I started bringing home christmas ornaments for our tree, of where we had visited. Now when we get them out and decorate, it brings back fond memories.
Missy - that's a great tradition. Our children have sometimes sent us ornaments from their world travels - from Germany to Ecuador. We, too, enjoy the memories that ornaments bring, of people as well as places, grandchildren and grandparents of ours.
I do enjoy hitting the swap meets when I travel. You find some real interesting stuff.
I'd have to say my most memorable and valued items collected are photos. Those are my souveniers, of course I have 3 boys and a wife to shop for (haha), but my favorites are my pictures. People, places, events, attractions etc, those are my rewards when travelling. The memory is the best part of any trip, but that tends to fade away sometimes, the pictures help me remember, and keep that memory alive, just like these ones do below! I miss ya Sharon, and hope to see you again sometime soon. :-)
Randy - what was the most interesting thing you picked up at a swap meet?
Brad - It's great that your valued items can be shared by others. Thanks for the reminder of the great times at Blog Connect last summer. Sorry I won't be in San Francisco this year, but be assured, we'll meet again!
Sharon - It was a great time, you will be missed this year. Looking forward to seeing you soon when I come to Florida. I'll take pictures and videos to share, I'm actually putting up a "Follow-Us" post in a few minutes. You can check in with us there if you have a chance. :-)
BTW - the most interesting thing I ever got from a swap meet was in Hawaii, a rain stick!
How ironic is that?? haha
Sharon,
I love this blog, it's so true about geting souvenirs when taking a trip, especially when you have kids. They are tokens of wonderful memories and would make a nice collection as well. I have not been as fortunate as you and able to travel in different countries, but I tell you when my family and I pick up and go to Treasure Island (which is only 1 1/2 hours from us) we always get souvenirs. It's definately a great addition to taking your vacation. Stongly recommended!!!!