Souvenirs (General), Rome

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Stepping into this shop is like being transported into Pinocchio's world. The shop has toys, games, whatnots such as wall clocks, name plates, refrigerator magnets all finely carved. We are transported into old Gepetto's shop, albeit with a modern touch (a video showing the master craftsman-owner at work), on the left entrance of the shop where we see an array of tools that are used for the creation of these beautiful pieces of work.

Impressive are the displays of car, and a lifesized motorcycle on the door. It is a shop where everybody will feel like a child again, and it was a place I felt I could easily spend hours in...just admiring and touching objects that evoke memories of childhood.

This shop is busy, a lot of people come in, but service is also quick. A funny detail was a framed letter from Mrs. Obama thanking Bartolucci (i think the shop carries his name) for the wonderful time her daughters had in the shop in their recent visit. It could have been a simple photo of a couple of young girls anywhere, except for those secret service agents surrounding them!

On one side of the shop is a small hole trying to replicate a shop where tourists could go in and take photos of themselves.

What to buy: Woodcraft souvenirs -- everything is beautiful! Lovely as gifts...

There are lots of souvenir shops all over Rome, especially close to the tourist attractions.

What to buy: They have a lot of religious items, statuettes, t-shirts, fans, and other typical souvenirs.

What to pay: depends on the item, but some places are cheaper than others so it's best to compare prices before buying.

The biggest and most famous street market in Rome is Porta Portese where you will find whatever you are looking for !! It's an amazing mess of benches and people, so move carefully around and don't bring with you valuables nor purses. For the rest enjoy the folklore of the vendors...

What to buy: Everything... such as clothes, antiques, books, car pieces, animals... etc......... :)

What to pay: Usually prices are lower than average, but remember always to trade !! Even because you will look like a tourist (tourist = higher price).

Two Italian guys who accused me of being Neopolitano because I haggled so much...

What to buy: A marble...err....porcelain statuette for your garden

What to pay: 115 euro sticker price, 35 final purchase - still feel like I overpaid