www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Is there an artisan/flea market (local crafts/works) in the SJ area? On my previous trips, I have been admittedly distracted by other pursuits, however, this time I'd like to check local markets if they exist in the area.

any words of wisdom, counsel or warning are all welcome. Thanks guys.

C57-- 8 days and counting

yep,artisan market is good for gift's..haggle but be fair....

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Jaco is called little USA by all ticos

I don't know where you'll be staying but if you walk downhill from the Del Rey to Avenida Central (pedestrian mall - avenue where Hotel Presidente is) and take a left to start going up that hill to the east, there is a little market with many artisan stalls on the right hand side, some junk, some nice local work. Maybe others can tell you better places, but this one is convenient and I have bought a couple of things there. You just need to look around first, check prices at different stalls, and negotiate.

Also, again on Avenida Central but going in the opposite direction, not sure how many blocks, there is a marketplace in a covered building with many stalls, varying from meat markets(the real kind - not the Blue Marlin kind), to luggage, to leather work, and although it has been a few years since I was in there, I think some artisan work, though perhaps a bit overpriced.

...another reference point for this rather large crafts market: It's across the street from the Mas X Menos store....can't miss it......LOTS of nice, quality stuff to be had in that market....

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Thanks all.

Brother LostinKentucky's second mention is the Mercado Central in yellow building. A real rabbit warren with what he said plus sodas, a reasonable hat shop, a general store type store, etc. Real fun hour or so just wandering around, seeing Costa Ricans being real--I make it a point to go every trip. Lots of stores on the outside of the building also. Kind of a funky odor in there though.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Yeah, good description on the funky odor - STRONG in the areas of all those meat and pollo shops.

Thanks to all who have posted. I'm looking to buy a few small crafts BUT the main purpose of my quest is to find a decent fedora/panama hat. I lost my last one in Cuba in February and I need to replace it.

I love a good looking well made woman.. er... hat and I don't need to be an expensive Stetson, just a decent quality

I have not had any luck in locating a good panama hat (well, one hand made of sisal) in Costa Rica, Canuck57. If you locate one, would you please share where you acquired it? I prefer the ones made of sisal because one can all but roll up the thing and stuff it in your back pocket when not in use and pops back to a good blocked look when needed. Last one I got was in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in 1981 and it's still in use, though I will admit that the tip IS showing some wear. The better one was obtained in Merida, Mexico a couple of years later (both for a song) and when I look at the prices of one's available commercially in the USA they cost too much and aren't even built as well. *shrug*

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Thanks Steven. Yeah I've be a fond wearer of the genre for over 30 years. Started to love them when I lived in Miami as a teen ager. Dad, being Cuban and mom being French, hats were part of the culture.

Also, I think a well made fedora adds to a man's appearance by adding some elegance.

You bet, if I find any, I'll advise.

Cheers,
C57

That hat shop I mentioned in Mercado Cento had what you guys are looking for. I bought one, trip before last, wore it to the SL and a Canadian gent who was leaving early the next day admired it so much he bought it right off my head, paying a 25% premium for the privilege. I believe it was $20 or so. This shop has a good selection. Check it out.
I agree about the elegance factor and believe me, I need all the help I can get.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Do tell, Jazzbo? I been in Central Market every trip several times each trip (as you note you do!)...genreally get pretty lost in there what with my piss poor sense of direction and all (spatial reasoning problems) and have seen hats, but not the kind I'm referring to: Made of sisal....and it all but rolls up such that it can be carried in the back pocket .....I check out CM yet again http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisal

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

There's also the 3 story market off Ave. Central, think it's on Calle 0

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Immensely helpful folks. It's funny to hear that a Canadian bought the hat off your head! Just goes to show you we have good taste and recognize a bargain when we see it

Yeah the Brother styled his ass off in the month he spent in Sosua no doubt. About hats: As Ticos are no more hat wearing dudes than Gringos in the US are (I get looked at all the time when I'm sportin' about town), buy it here and bring it with: http://www.jjhatcenter.com/

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED