May 6, 2009
[ Ibiza Photo Gallery ]
Alison: OK, Luc knows his food … and I know my shopping!
Luc: But it takes her soooo loooong to choose! Guys, bring a book or luckily for me, watch a movie on the iPhone to past the time.
Alison: Which, in this case, means I knew to lay low until we hit Barcelona, heh, heh. Most of the fashion here was just not my style. Plus, we missed the tour of the famous Hippy Market in Es Cana. So I focussed on Luc, steering him toward his finds, such as spice mix for paella in a little market square pavilion. Was tempted by some homemade jams, but again, figured I better hold out.
Luc: Good to know. Next time Alison starts shopping for ME, I will be on the look out for the next leg of our trip. The spice mix is excellent on fish but Spain’s specialty spice is paprika, more specifically smoked hot paprika. I bought a good quantity at very cheap price. At home, Spanish paprika is relatively expensive, bit like buying Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee while in Jamaica versus buying it at home.
Alison: Big tip – Shops close at around 2 p.m. and don’t reopen until 5 p.m., then close again at around 8 or 9 p.m. Once you have been to Ibiza, you know why. It gets very hot in the afternoon. And people eat both lunch and dinner later. Main strip in Ibiza Old Town is Calle de la Cruz. There is also a great place to sit, have a beer or coffee, and people watch: Plaza del Parque. Lots of funky shops with handcrafted goods located here.
Ibiza Town and Upper Town (located in Dalt Vila) have plenty of shops. Plan to spend some time wandering through the winding streets near the marina. Very touristy feel, but still manages to be charming. There are some finds, if you are patient.
Best find for Luc: White open neck shirt – somebody had to bring home an example of hippie-inspired Adlib fashion! And it looks great on him. Purchased at Divina Boutique, Plaza Vila. The prices and selection were the best. Shop is located on one of the backstreets near the marina where we had our first meal of octopus.
Best find for Alison:OK, willpower did not 100% win out … What can I say? Luc inspired me.
Luc: ???????!!!!! I inspired Alison! As if Alison needs inspiration to go shopping.
Alison: I came away with something from this cute shop Pacha that was around the corner from Luc’s store. Apparently Pacha is a nightclub staple at resort towns that sells their branded merchandise. (Luc: Note the form here – “Luc’s” store!). Got this great signature t-shirt with two big red cherries on front, great detailing, too. And 50% off!
Luc: LOL. 50% off. Don’t us guys hear this often. Like going broke on “Sales.” Beside the savings, these 2 cherries design seems very popular. The design itself is Pacha stores’ logo (found a similar store later in our trip in Barcelona). T-Shirt, safety helmets, socks, belts, scarves, anything with a surface. –cough– Makes it quite unique –cough–.
Shopping Tips:
- Shops close at around 2 p.m. and don’t reopen until 5 p.m., then close again at around 8 or 9 p.m.
- The famous Hippy Market in Es Cana is only open on Wednesdays. It is a popular tour, so sign up early if you are interested and don’t plan on driving.
