Support Local Shopping in Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (B)

Anyone who knows me knows I love to shop- probably a little too much. Actually, probably a lot too much. I won’t deny it- I’m a certified shopaholic.

There’s nothing I love more than sifting through shops in a new city and finding something that will help me cherish a memory. I mean, what true shopaholic would pass up an international wardrobe?

During my travels I’m always on the lookout for that unique piece. The one thing that you can’t find at home. The one my friends are bound to ask about. A “conversation starter,” if you will. More and more I find myself avoiding the “Made in China” crap that most tourists gravitate towards. Instead, I seek out local designers and independent artists for a truly special keepsake.

Lucky for me, Barcelona was chock full of local artisans. As our last stop on a 3-week long journey, my little cousin Sierra and I were determined to get in our last shopping fix. We dragged my parents along and began our treasure hunt.

While wandering around Barcelona’s “Born” neighborhood we stumbled across a little area called L’esquirol-Zona Artesanal- a treasure hunter’s paradise. This area is a little hub for clothing and design from the Catalan region of Spain. With every corner we turned, we uncovered pure gold. Boutique after boutique of unique handmade items by local artisans. Exquisite displays, stylish goods- we had died and gone to heaven. If only we had saved enough space in our suitcases and enough money in our wallets for a real spree. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).