Market time

There are several weekly markets at Costa catering to all imaginable needs. Arroy de la Miel's markets are held on Wednesdays and Fridays and in Fuengirola the demand meets supply on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

The market in Fuengirola is the largest one. On Tuesdays the goods are the same that can be found at all the other markets as well (from lace underwear in fluorescent colours to nuts and knockoff Guccis) but on Saturdays the fería ground located halfway between the train stations of Fuengirola and Los Boliches is taken over by a massive flea market.

There's pretty much anything anyone could ask for. A couple of years ago the authorities clamped down on the goings on that had gotten out of hand and now everything on sale must be segundo mano, second hand. The prospect of being fined hasn't put off all of the hawking Herndandezes though.

There are also several stalls by a variety of expat-run charities which means there's no shortage of English books. And not just the Barbara Cartland- variety: but there's often a chance to find some cookery book bargains too. 

And there are bags galore. Some less...

... and some more genuine.

This is also a god place to find those Moroccan straw bags that I love so much. Saves a trip to the other side of the sea, you see!

There are tools catering both to the needs of handyman of today and serial killers of the Middle Ages.

And avid interior decorators are in for some treats too...

...as even the humbler tastes are catered for. Too bad The Gentleman failed to fall for the charm of these Posh and Becks- style thrones for the poolside...

And as is appropriate for the fería season, there are the traditional dresses.

And seeing how we are the Costa del Golf...

For a blogger like me, collecting staging equipment with the enthusiasm of a squirrel getting ready for another Ice Age this place is heaven. There are all sorts of rare treats: such as genuine 18th century Bohemian crystal from 21st century China (and judging by the sweet, rhubarb-like smell I detected lingering at the gates there just might be a chance to source a herb particularly popular among the horticultural societies of Jamaica and Holland...)

I myself am still trying to justify the purchase of an Oriental tea pot (a mere metre in height...). Though it would look nice next to the Egyptian rug, Moroccan lanterns and Turkish cushions...

I did find something though so stay tuned - they're coming to a blog near you!

It's easy to lose oneself (not to mention the time and money) at the market, but haggling (especially with the non-Spanish vendors located further away from the gate) is recommended. Though I myself am legendarily poor at that life skill. Once at a market I was having some T-shirts printed and the negotiations of the final price were in full swing. The seller agreed to drop the price down to 25 shekels. And what did this street-smart world-traveller do? Insisted on paying 30...