Souvenir. I like that word. Doing a quick online search, I found that it originates from the Latin word, “subvenire” which means “occur to the mind.” Souvenir also means “remember” in French. It’s pretty fitting that we use souvenir to describe an item that reminds us of a happy place or experience.
I love buying special reminders while on vacation, but I hate tacky, mass produced, everyone-and-there-sister-is-going-to-be-leaving-here-with-one-of-these souvenirs. You know what I’m talking about. Those super cheesy magnets, key chains, and other gift shop items that you find everywhere you travel, just with a different city name.
Anyway- when we honeymooned in Jamaica last year, I think we snagged some good finds. Our resort had a gift shop, but their were also vendors who set up right on the beach selling handmade goods. The first souvenir we purchased was a small canvas art piece. I don’t remember exactly what it cost, but I remember thinking it was very reasonable. The gentleman selling them even painted our names onto it right there in front of us. So sweet! We have this on display in our house now, of course.
Another beach vendor we visited was selling handmade jewelry. You can absolutely barter with these vendors as well. We ended up getting a necklace and a bracelet for much less then originally offered.
We ended up snagging a couple other things at our resort gift shop. We got this beautiful handmade photo album which I fell in love with! Right when we got back I printed off some favorite snapshots from the trip and filled it.
We also got a couple things for family members, and then we brought home some Jerk seasoning- a must! It’s so delicious it, and whenever we use it I get transported right back to eating jerk chicken for the first time the day we had arrived in Jamaica.
I was super pleased with the souvenirs we found in Jamaica. Perfect mementos of a perfect trip:)
Have you ever been to Jamaica?
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