Argentina Shopping

MATE CUPS

by swesn

A very typical souvenir from Argentina is the mate cups.There are tonnes and tonnes for sale all over Argentina. Some are of the vase-shaped metal vessels with engravings and carvings on the surface. Some are of the hollowed-out gourds. Some are the hooves of cows! Others are the tacky sort : colourfully painted and smeared with the words 'ARGENTINA' or 'BUENOS AIRES'.I prefer the simple hollowed-out gourds.Along with the mate cups, are the intricately designed metal straws, known as 'bombilla' (in Buenos Aires, it is pronounced 'bom-BEE-sha').Yerba mate is made from tea leaves from the Brazilian holly. Cartons of them are readily available in supermarkets.The drink is shared socially, passed around the circle. Each person takes a sip, refills with hot water and passes to the next person. If you say 'thank you', it means you do not want anymore.

BOLEADORAS

by swesn

The BOLEADORAS are leather balls used by the gauchos to capture rheas. There are three balls tied to a long rope. The three balls are called 'Tres Marias' (Three Marys) and are wrapped in leather. Each is of a different weight so that they separate when flung.When thrown at a rhea, the boldeadoras wrap around the legs of the rhea, thereby tripping it over.I thought this makes a very interesting souvenir.

BUENOS AIRES : PLAZA DORREGO, SAN TELMO

by swesn

The San Telmo area has charming old buildings with wooden doors and iron balconies, and some streets remained cobbled-stoned. This is the traditional corner of Buenos Aires, peppered with many of those lovely, traditional bar-cafes. There are also antique shops selling all sorts of antiques - old gramophone players, Baroque-style furniture, vases, discoloured posters of Che Guevera, Eva Peron and the likes, glass-wares and crystals, terribly kitsch plastic toys, ancient books and mate cups, boleadoras, etc... Charming, but a little tacky.On Sunday, Plaza Dorrego is over-run with stalls selling MORE antiques, ancient mates, and other collectibles. Very delightful atmosphere.Be very careful of pickpockets and robbers.

MUSIC

by swesn

With the Argentinian economy crisis, things are relativey cheap for tourists. Stock up on the good selection of CDs (including tangos! Carlos Gardel is the most beloved tango singer) in the numerous music outlets, many along Calle Florida and Calle Lavalle but basically, music shops can be anywhere in the suburbs. MUSICMUNDO is the largest franchise in Argentina. For most outlets, you may test the CDs. At MUSICMUNDO, you can even exchange the CD for something else if you realise you do not like what you have bought. Retain the plastic cover carefully and the receipt. Exchange within a week.

Rhodocrosite stone

by wadekorzan

If you are looking for THE typical stone of Argentina, it is not diamonds, rubies, emeralds, or anything like that. It is a semi-precious stone called Rhodochrosite which is pinkish in color. Alot of jewelry is made with this stone, and you will also find small carvings such as animals, etc, made of the stone. You will even find vases and things for the house made of Rhodochrosite. You will see quite a few places on the main shopping street in Buenos Aires selling it. If you buy from a handicrafys market, then watch out as usually it is fake.

Buy anything leather!

by carrysa

Flea/Antique Sunday Market: San Telmo

by la_beba

For more information visit my San Telmo's market travelogue

Hot drink from Patagonia: Mate

by Pierangelo

Mate is like an herbal thea, a bit exciting because of its contain of caffeine. You can buy the special cup in local shops (30-50 pesos) and one kg mate in supermarket (two pesos).

Buenos Aires High Street: High Street

by LondonChris