Land of Plenty
I’m struck by how much extra there is here in the States. There are yard sales all over here (with the Mainer accent they are called “yahd” sales). And each time I see one I’m struck by how much stuff is being sold for next to nothing. People here simply have more than they need. Most of them do not realize this, but it becomes clear when you see what they are getting rid of and how cheaply they are willing to part with it.
This is different from Mexico where lots of people don’t have what they need. My yard sale experience in Mexico is that they come in 2 flavors:
– First you have the normal Mexican yard sale where items are being sold well past their prime, but prices are high. A pair of beat-to-shit old ugly shoes for $10 USD, used DVDs, complete with scratches, for $5 USD, an 8-track tape player for $15 USD, etc. It seems that a yard sale is seen first as a chance to make money. Getting rid of things you don’t need seems to be secondary.
– The second type of yard sale in Mexico is the “ex-pat who didn’t make in Mexico” yard sale. These are usually great sales because the ex-pat came to Mexico thinking they would love it. They buy a new living room set from Liverpool and they fill an apartment with nice new things. They often adopt a pet. And then one day they realize that Cancun is not what they thought it would be. They decide to leave and they liquidate everything as fast a possible and high tail it back to the States or wherever… I love these sales. But each time I hear of an ex-pat who is moving back without taking their pet(s) I get furious (I’ll save that rant for another day).
Here in New England the yard sales are not just full of good cheap stuff, they are full of interesting antiques. I keep seeing nifty chairs and couches that I wish I could buy and fix up. But the last thing I need is more stuff in Mexico that I have to haul back to the U.S. So I’m waiting until we move back to the U.S. to indulge in buying things I don’t need…
July 9th, 2008 15:15
I would just like to say that I would do anything to take my turts back to Europe when one day I pack up and leave, but damned immigration won’t let me! Which is a good/bad thing. Good because too many turtles used to die on these trips. Bad, because I’d buy my ones each a seat on the plane if it meant they could come!
So no ranting about turtle owners! I’m not leaving here till I’ve found them a good home though. Hopefully in Taxco.
July 10th, 2008 10:21
Maine! yard sales! All that is lovely and best! I am soo envious. Are bluberries in season yet?
July 10th, 2008 10:49
Jillian – Blueberries won’t be in season for a couple of weeks, so I totally BLEW IT timing my trip. Blueberries are my favorite food bar none.
Gary – I think it’s Customs, not Immigration, that imposes a quarantine when you bring animals across the pond. My problem is with the many Americans who COULD bring animals back but don’t. You aren’t like that, you would if you could.
July 10th, 2008 13:30
i would die for a great consignment shop in cancun. clothes, dishware, appliances. How great would that be!!! I used to LIVE at those places in SF!!
Hope your trip is going well:)
July 11th, 2008 05:43
Land of way too much.
Blueberry season opens here in New Hampshire today. I saw several cars in the parking lot of the local blueberry farm as i was walking my dogs this morning at 7:00.
I’m sorry I didn’t get up to see you, my schedule just wouldn’t allow it.
Land of way too busy.
July 11th, 2008 17:57
Meg – I totally agree. I know of someone planning to start one sometime that will benefit charity.
Scott – I got sucked into to being too busy as well. Next time…
July 18th, 2008 11:20
I SO miss yard sales! Can’t have them here in Spain, cause no yards! There aren’t even second hand stores! I miss being able to have yard sales too to get rid of stuff. Sunday mornings with Grandma…Garage Sailing. Hunting for treasures. My husband was amazed when we had a garage sale in AZ before moving back here. He could not BELIEVE people would pay any amount of money for his old shoes and for half used spices.