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cindyblu

Aug 6, 2009, 9:18 AM

Post #1 of 9 (2288 views)

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Shopping Local Style

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I live in a place that has cobblestone streets and I use a Carello (canvas cart on wheels) to do shopping at the markets, grocery stores, etc. But I seem to remember that the cobblestones in Ajijic were not quite as friendly to wheels and I don't recall seeing the Mexican women toting carts but maybe I just didn't notice. I would welcome any info on how the locals who don't drive are transporting market goods these days. Is it possible to buy a type of cart similar to what I'm using here? Can you take it on the bus? Can you take bicycles on the bus?

Jean_S

Aug 6, 2009, 4:10 PM

Post #2 of 9 (2224 views)

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Re: [cindyblu] Shopping Local Style

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We do have sidewalks.

esperanza

Aug 6, 2009, 4:23 PM

Post #3 of 9 (2215 views)

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Re: [cindyblu] Shopping Local Style

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What you usually see at Ajijic's weekly (Wednesday) tianguis (street market) are woven plastic two-handled bags for carrying purchases home. The same is true at Chapala's Monday tianguis and at Jocotepec's Thursday market as well. These large plastic bags have pretty well taken the place of what local women used to use, a wicker basket slung over one arm.

As Jeanne said, there are sidewalks. But for trudging up and down the very, very uneven cobblestone street of Ajijic's tianguis, it would be hard to use the kind of cart you mention. Chapala's market is a bit more even under the feet, and Jocotepec's streets are paved, so your cart would be really useful in both of those places.

For shopping at Soriana (supermarket in Chapala) or Wal-Mart, your canvas cart on wheels would be perfect. I've never seen one like it for sale at Lakeside, so by all means bring it with you. I'm sure you could take it on the bus, if it's not huge.

As far as I know, you can't take a bicycle on the buses at Lakeside. There are a few city buses in Guadalajara that do allow up to two bicycles, fastened to the back of the bus, but it's really not widely promoted.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

cindyblu

Aug 7, 2009, 4:00 AM

Post #4 of 9 (2173 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Shopping Local Style

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Hi Esperanza, thanks for the info. I do remember the big, colorful woven bags now. Mexico has the right idea. I was in a big, chain market yesterday and noticed they have signs posted warning the customers that they are phasing out the plastic grocery bags because usually if shoppers have a car, they don't bring their canvas carts along. I think Italy is probably the worst offender of plastic bags. Literally every piece of clothing you buy comes in a plastic bag because they are fastidious about clothing. They wouldn't think of putting a sweater or any other piece of clothing away without protection less it pill or get eaten by insects. Adding to the problem is that Italians must have the "new line" every season of every year. This adds up to a lot of plastic. Good for the clothing, bad for the environment. To be honest, I can't nor do I want to keep up with the frivolity of it all. I will be so glad to get back to Mexico where life is less complicated and where I can loll around in a comfortable, Mexican cotton dress -- and still make a home-made Cappuccino if I want one.

Georgia

Aug 9, 2009, 8:05 PM

Post #5 of 9 (2035 views)

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Re: [cindyblu] Shopping Local Style

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I got a dandy canvas shopping cart at Sears in Galerias Mall. The great thing is that it has three wheels on a rotating hub that goes over curbs, up stairs and down, like gangbusters. Iuse it whe I go to the loca market in Tlaquepaque, which I prefer to the markets lakeside. We have homes in both places, but the tlaquepaque produce is much more fresh.

cindyblu

Aug 10, 2009, 2:49 AM

Post #6 of 9 (2013 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Shopping Local Style

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Hi Georgia, is Galerias mall in Guadalajara? This is exactly the type of cart I'm referring to! It sounds like the same three-wheeled version we have here and you see them everywhere. They are so handy and so necessary for shoppers who live in walkable cities/villages.

Georgia

Aug 10, 2009, 7:23 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1971 views)

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Re: [cindyblu] Shopping Local Style

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Yes, Galerias Mall is actually in Zapopan, kind of the southwestern end of Guadalajara. Those three wheeled carts go great over cobblestones, or any susface. I take mine to the US when I go "mall crawling" since I don't end up with plastic bags hanging over my arms, just throw 'em in the cart, which also boasts an umbrella holder and two zippered compartments. No need to carry a purse.

RickS

Aug 10, 2009, 8:29 AM

Post #8 of 9 (1946 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Shopping Local Style

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OK, I can see this playing out like.....

Georgia goes to the Galerias Mall in Zapopan and stocks up on, say, 50 of these dandy 3-wheeled shopping carts.
She then goes to the Tiangus in Ajijic on Wednesday and sets up shop, selling these carts to Gringos and Mexican alike.
She does so well in Ajijic that she proceeds to Jocotopec next and sells a few there too.
Then, on Monday, she takes the big step and peddles the remaining carts at the Chapala tiangus.

All of this within one single week.

Not only does she perform a worthwhile public service (this gets her many points for her entry into the here-after one day in the far, distant future), but she gets to see many of her friends that she hasn't seen in many moons..... and gets a favorable write-up in both the Ojo and Chapala Review!

Life is good in Paradise.....

Georgia

Aug 10, 2009, 10:37 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1908 views)

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Re: [RickS] Shopping Local Style

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Sorry, Rick. Georgia isn't interested. But YOU could do it! I've had a cart like this or one similar to it since I was a kid in Queens, NY where we'd use them to go down to Bell Blvd. shopping. Every household had one. Required. These new improved versions are great, but they don't hold as much as the old ones.