Open Market

On our first day here in San Jose, Costa Rica we visited the Open Market! After we ate our delicious lunch at Nuestra Tierra we crossed the street to visit the market. 

The market was full of many souvenirs varying from coffee, mugs, backpacks, purses, apparel and even hammocks! Our group walked the stalls and spoke to the locals, practicing our Spanish speaking skills. The vendors in the market were all very welcoming to us and encouraged us to speak Spanish,  even through we weren't fluent it was a great experience for us to practice. 

As the group walked around the open market we were exposed to authentic Costa Rican culture. Many items were hand painted designs such as flowers and birds on wood or handmade jewelry and accessories. 

We each bought goods to bring home to our friends and family! For me the open market was a really interesting experience because we had visited the farmers market in Pawtucket prior to our trip to Costa Rica so I was looking at the similarities and difference of both. The market in Pawtucket was larger and carried mostly foods and this site in Costa Rica carried trinkets and souvenirs. 

It was so interesting to walk around and listen to the vendors and talk to them as we bought products and tried to barter with them. The open market was a great first stop for our group because we were able to see the good that Costa Rica offered and it gave us the chance to talk to the locals. It was also great to support the locals and encourage them to produce authentic Costa Rican products for us to bring home and share with everyone!

I purchased some coffee and a deck of cards which was great for games during our bus rides all over Costa Rica. A couple students purchased hammocks, I can't wait to see those set up! 

Emily McLaughlin