BajaBlanca - 3-19-2019 at 06:34 PM
A while back we had a discussion about the prison store and we had a chance to stop by recently since we are on a mission to buy gifts for family in
Europe (we are headed there this summer).
First off, the writing at the very bottom of the prison CERESO sign, as you head south, is teeny, tiny, but it says there is a tienda where you can
buy artesanias.
I only was able to get a pic of the sign as you head north and it does not mention tienda.
The store is very small, you leave a document with the guard and enter thru a door past the gate. Small room and everything is just piled in there
but some of the crafts are really incredible!
This first photo is a vase made out of chewing gum wrappers. So well made.
We bought this box made out of some wood bark. It is exquisite.
Les also bought himself the most wonderful hat but I think I deleted that photo by accident. If you want to see it, come on over!
gueribo - 3-19-2019 at 07:05 PM
Thanks for sharing these, Blanca. They do make beautiful things there. The necklace I purchased on my last visit:
[Edited on 3-20-2019 by gueribo]
bajabuddha - 3-19-2019 at 07:22 PM
My house not only has dozens of artisan items from there, but I need to add they all have held up over the years, none low-quality junk. The new
store kinda takes the excitement outa bartering with the convicts themselves through a VERY high gated fence with armed guards by your sides, but in
the past there was a modicum of respect between us and them... last time through the fence was called " Hey, Juero! Juero!." Of which I replied to
them, "Es SEN(y)OR JUERO PARA TI !" Those hollering didn't get my business.
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BajaBlanca - 3-19-2019 at 08:40 PM
Gueribo, that is really nice.
BB, I hated the yelling. It was so scary. As messy as it is, being able to browse is great.
Many years ago, I was gifted an abalone heart jewelry box from the prison that is very, very beautiful.
bajabuddha - 3-19-2019 at 08:44 PM
BB, I concur with the scary yelling. However, two-fold learning from it all... prison is a scary place, and especially Mexican prisons... hence,
don't mess up in Mexico and become a cell-ie. Also the more of an emotional attachment to the wares you buy. But, c'est la vie, it is what it is
now, and the artifacts are still impressive. Also to know that's their 'commissary' and board for their incarceration.