Advent is still ten days away, but everywhere you go Jingle Bells is already on repeat. About to tear your hair out? So am I.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, just not in a tinsel strewn shopping mall, Starbucks festive latte kind of way. Omnipresent decorations have made me feel stressed about my Christmas shopping list, and it’s still only November!
So, if I had my way I’d escape from this fake winter wonderland to a place where Christmas isn’t a big deal, or any deal for that matter. I’d browse bulging bazaars and seek out unique treats that made me genuinely excited about someone unwrapping them. I’d swap Bing Crosby for the call to prayer and mulled wine for a medina.
Without further ado, here’s where I’d go to escape the pre-Christmas nightmare whilst indulging in some serious retail therapy at the same time.
Istanbul, Turkey: The Blue Mosque, Byzantine bazaars and the Bosphorus. What better backdrop for a spending spree? Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is allegedly the world’s oldest shopping centre. So what are you still sitting in front of your computer for? Head there now for stunning jewellery, top-notch fabrics, fab food and nightlife that goes on till dawn. Hooray.
Udaipur, India: Some people head to India to attain spiritual nirvana. I guarantee that in Udaipur you’ll find retail nirvana. Hailed as the most romantic spot in all of India, Udaipur is home hundreds of artists. You can pick up fantastically unique miniature paintings, handmade paper, vibrant sari silks, amazing jewellery, antique furniture and much, much more. Just watch out for the elephants: eco city transport Indian style.
Marrakech, Morocco: Being let loose in the souks of Marrakech feels like Christmas has come early; spices and slippers, lanterns and leather, tagines and tablecloths. There is so much on offer in Marrakech that you could easily stock up for the next ten Christmases. The noise of bartering blends in with the smells and sights of the old, old medina. A magical place to shop.
Hanoi, Vietnam: Hanoi is so hot right now. This French colonial gem is bursting with art, history and first class shopping. Visit Vietnamese artists in their studios, commission tailormade handbags and accessories and sniff out great antiques. Head for Hang Gai street and put those elves to shame.
Tokyo, Japan: Hello heady consumerism, Santa Claus really is coming to town. Big lights, futuristic shopping centres and edgy boutiques. I think that says it all.
