I apologize in advance because this post will probably only interest the girls.
If you’ve checked out the Gear page on my website, you know that I packed pretty light, especially clothing and shoes. I did not pack anything to wear out to bars or dance clubs, and the women here go all out. I always planned on buying anything I need on the road because you can typically find things cheaper and you can buy specific to the temperature and the style of dress. So today I went shopping with Maria, the owner of the house I’m staying at. A girl needs a second opinion when shopping for an outfit. Maria filled in for my usual shopping companions (my sister, Monica, and Janel). The goal: buy pants, high heels, and a dressy shirt for $30 total.
I’ve been checking out the clothing in the shops since I’ve been here, comparing styles, quality, and prices, so I would know a good deal when I was ready to buy. All of the best deals are in the Centro Histórico. Maria took me to a large market where there had to be hundreds of small shops selling everything from baby clothes to US-style tennis shoes to fancy dresses. There was always a “menos precio” (aka lower price) if you asked. There are of course no dressing rooms, but all of the shops have a sheet or curtain on a hook that they pull around you when you want to try something on.
In about an hour, I managed to find the outfit you see here.
- Shoes = $10
- Leggings = $8
- Sweater = $10
- Necklace = $2
The shoes are my favorite find. When I told the guy what size shoe I wear, his eyes got big and he shook his head emphatically, looking at me as if I was an alien. Apparently, I have gigantic feet by Latin American standards. These were the only pair of shoes in the entire shop that fit me (size 38 here, size 8.5 in the US).
Goal achieved! I got to wear my new outfit last night. It is amazing how much easier it is to salsa dance in a pair of heels and how good a nice outfit can make you feel after wearing jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops every day.
Love it! The shoes are fantastic:)
Yes, I’m so happy to have a pair of cute shoes!
You are SO much more disciplined than I. I would not have made it 2 days without clothes shopping.
yikes!!! the guy probably would have passed out if I was there asking for size 11… or just handed me the biggest pair of mens shoes he could find!
The salsa dancing sounds fun!! Enjoy!
bet you look amazing stunner `
ps eu 38 Is small for both the uk and africa ,
those latinos just have tiny feet
Holly crap – I am calling Monster Quest – I have found Sasquatch.
Nice outfit. The only thing I don’t understand is the sweater. Isn’t it really hot? Don’t you burn up salsa dancing?
Mom
The sweater is loosely woven, so it’s not too warm. I also wanted to get something to wear anytime, and it’s pretty cold here in the evenings.
Dear Granddaughter, Finally got to read my emails., and get on your Web. sounds like you are really having a great time. Enjoy, but be very wise whereever you go out on your own. i know you took self-defense classes. I like the outfit you picked out to go Salsa Dancing. Of course to me you would look beautiful in rags. Very glad you are eating properly, which you did in the States. Lunch is supposed to be the big meal. On the farm where I grew up, it was called Dinner (noontime). A big meal because our help had to get back out and run the tractors, cultivate , and plant the seeds or the Tobacco Plants. so they and I “worked the meal off” . I miss the fresh fruits and veggies, but then the work was more difficult. Send us pictures of you in the outfit and also your friends. Remember, you are making memories and 25 yrs. later after looking back at all this, you will say , why didn’t I take more pictures of people and myself. Some of my friends from the Rec Ctr. ask me , what do you look like, bet she is very pretty and of course I respond, yes of course. Blessings Mom & Tim
When I look back 25 years from now and wonder why I didn’t take more pictures, I will say, “Because I didn’t want my camera to be stolen.”
Dear Granddaughter, I made a boo,boo, when I wrote the last message to you and I signed it Mom, you know it was from Grandma and Tim. After i sent it , later something in my spirit said check what you sent. i was so busy, when i wrote and sent it. Getting things ready for the Rec, Ctr. And also when he walks and has something liquid or a plate full of food. I am the one who has to clean Tims “brunch” (he makes to much of a mess when I let him do it) Shaun doesn’t realize that his Dad has came a long way, (not totally 100 percent) and there are things he has a problem with when it comes to his left hand.
Continued: Steph, Grandma is still trying to explain why I sent the wrong name. Oh well, they say that is the way life is when you get “old”. I have to run to the bank and to the store. It is beautiful again today. Need to get a lot done before the sun goes down. It gets much cooler then. Blessings Grandma (There i got it right)