For my fellow Fa fans: Just got back from a trip to London-Paris-Madrid. No Fa in the first two towns, but I brought back 12 cans from Madrid. It was less than $2.00 per can while on the internet, they go for $7.00 per can!

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Kitchen utensils that are different from what i find here (cheese grators, etc.) and ceramics in italy.

There is nothing like the little tingle of joy I feel when using some wonderful little thing that I found in Europe and can't find here. (yes, even toothpaste) In the Algarve(Portugal) you can find AWESOME pottery stores along the coast. Incredible deals on the most beautiful pottery. I cherish the plates, pitchers, tiles,and even the soap dispenser I bought there. Also in the Algarve, look for the sheepskin slippers for $20. and you'll wish you'd bought two pairs. In Paris,Arche Shoes,my favorite,different styles and much lower prices than we get in the US. I love the pharmacies in Europe. I stock on Kneipp's bath oils and gels, Phyto hair products, Badedas bath gels(can't find that here)Klorane eye makeup remover (the best)---way cheaper in Europe then here in the U.S.and bigger sizes. For the woman who loves Longchamp, their store in Lisboa had lower prices than anywhere in France, all the same styles. I love my handbag from there. In Sevilla, avoid tourist shops for silk shawls and look on the back streets in the authentic local shops,for the most awesome silk embroidered shawls you have ever seen. They are big, beautiful, and under $100. I don't know how they do that? I will cherish forever the one I bought there and the beautiful experience of doing it, in one of the most magical places. In Madrid and Barcelona, one can find in the better shops devoted to leather, gorgeous suede and leather jackets and coats. The prices will blow you away. We love ours and people are always wondering where we bought them. The little thrill of the find. Buy it when you see it, because it's too difficult to go back and look for it again! I've made that mistake,too. When I was a kid my parents often took me to Switzerland, where I would stock up on Lindt chocolate bars of all flavors but now even though you can find those here in the US, they don't taste as good as the ones you buy there! To find the odd thing that is designed by someone for their own little shop in London, Paris, Barcelona, Arles, etc, is so much fun.<BR>The biggest problem is the French baguette. You have to buy them and eat them there!

Let's keep this one going. So much fun.

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Hiking boots in Switzerland and Germany. The selection is so much better than in the USA. You can get styles that you never see in the store here.

I am a sterling silver nut. I absolutely love to collect tableware. <BR>I love buying in England and find some really good deals at local auctions.<BR>The one piece of advise I would give to someone wanting to shop in Europe is buy what you like, dont buy just because it has a famous label. I saw many beautiful things such as shoes and handbags. They did not have names that I recognized but had exquisite craftmanship. Those are the things that I get the most complements on when I wear them. Anyway I hope to get back to Europe as I am always eager and ready to "contribute" to the local economy.

I have a new collection going now so when we travel, I look for Roosters <BR>Yes, roosters-ceramic roosters for the kitchen counter,primitive art for the walls, a rooster pitcher,anything chicken-y ~maybe cause I am still just a chick?

On a day trip to St. Paul de Vence during a trip to the South of France I bought 2 original watercolors that depict scenes of the village. They were expensive and cost an arm and a leg to mat and frame. But...they are now over my couch in the living room. One of the paintings is of a fountain the the middle of town. I had a wonderful lunch in a restaurant that had a terrace on the 2nd floor overlooking that same fountain. I can insert myself in those paintings over and over again.<BR><BR>Lisa

Eastern European women.

I like to find angel Christmas ornaments to add to my collection in my travels. Any special places to find ornaments? Nice, Florence Naples Rome Malta or Messina (Yes we are cruising!)<BR>I skimmed this but noone mentioned faience. Bought a beautiful lamp had custom made and shipped home in Moustieres St marie by a shop I think called sun in French- located down the road from inn owned by Alain Ducasse. Not name dropping (did not stay or eat there) it sjust happens to be where it is situated.--And the lamp was not too pricey! h

I buy key rings. I have one from venice and one from Cordoba and differnt ones for the car and for each door,. They bring back great memories. Also I have a lovely small tray I got from Annecy with the lake on it . Lovely to have a cup of tea using it.<BR>Jane

We have some of our fondest memories from some of the handcrafted things we have picked up in small towns. They were nor expensive (mostly) and made locally and a lot of fun to have around. I do not get too excited about buying the stuff that will wear out (clothing) or that you eat or drink.

In Germany, I bought a Cuckoo clock and some lovely bier steins.<BR><BR>In Ireland, woolen sweaters and a beautiful "history" of Ireland ring.

In Asia, I love to buy fabric, then have clothing tailor made, completed in a day! Also, in Asia, velvet bags, gemstones, silk lanterns, handpressed paper & journals.<BR><BR>In Europe, oh, the 'usual': perfume oils, soaps, more soaps, olive oil and clothing from one of the many 'puces'.<BR><BR>One of my favorite things is hanging on my front door: a tile from Sienna that says 'attenti di canne' (beware of dog). I like it because the dog is black (like mine), it's a great design, and my dog is super mellow; a rug w/feet. I get a chuckle every time I come home.

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ttt

Pretty much anything that's not nailed down. LOL

Prague has beautiful and cheap scarves (lovely paisleys and solids in every color) at all of the touristy shops in the old city. I brought back some for gifts and one or two for myself. I always get compliments and wish I had brought back a bigger stack.