This one, from Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
(In case you were wondering, yes, there are plenty of men on this island off the coast of Cancun, which literally translates as "Island of Women, but I won't give you the history lesson here.)
Anyway, I can't vouch for the quality of this Jose Carlos' seashells and ashtray painted to look like sombreros, but in general, the handicrafts in much of Latin America sell for thrift-shop prices compared to what you'd pay here for something similar. Of course, like anything, you need to pay attention to quality and know what you're getting for your money.
Also, shop around because you'll often find many vendors selling the same thing for wildly different prices. But that's half the fun... negotiating.
Stay tuned for more on the fine art of negotiating (regateando) -- and my obsession with artesanias, as the handicrafts are called in Spanish. More on both subjects another day.
Have you seen a good sign lately? Snap a picture and send it to me with a brief description of where you found it and why you like it. I'll post it here for others to enjoy.
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