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Although vacationers won't find any large malls on Saba, shopping is still a popular pursuit among visitors. Shops like the Artisan Foundation at The Bottom, and Around the Bend in Windwardside carry items such as hand-screened fabrics and authentic Saba lace made on the island. |
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Lace is one of the island's most popular purchases. The history of Saba lace goes back more than a century to Saban Gertrude Johnson, who attended a Caracas convent school where she learned the arts of drawing and tying threads to adorn fine linens. When she returned home to Saba in the 1870s, she taught lace making, and the art has endured since. Every weekday Saban ladies display and sell their creations at the community center in Hell's Gate. Many also sell their wares from their houses; Collars, tea towels, napkins, and other small items are relatively inexpensive; larger items, such as tablecloths, can be pricey. |
The exotically flavored Saba spice liquor is also available at the island's shops and boutiques. Spiced with fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this 150-proof liquor may vary in taste depending on the brewer's own recipe. Other places for shopping are located along the Main Road at places like Peggy's Boutique, Hillside Boutique, Paloma's, and several other shops. The Saba Lace Boutique, situated behind the Roman Catholic Church in Hell's Gate, has the largest selection of lacework.
Enter into any of the shops within the villages and you'll be invited into conversation. You'll find beautiful, delicate linen items with hand-drawn threadwork designs. Artists find Saba a perfect inspiration for their work. Many watercolours, photographs, jewelry and books are displayed in two art galleries.While in Windwardside, ask your driver to drop you off at the Windwardside parking lot. Then stroll the main drag through Windwardside's mini-mall. Its here you'll find take-home souvenirs, tasty boutiques, dive shops, the tourist office, an art gallery, two restaurant/bars, a supermarket and a bank. Just a turn will take you to the post office and yet another bank as well as another dive shop-hotel-restaurant-bar. The Mini Mall is where you'll pick up charming remembrances of the beauty of Saba.
Two silk-screen operations keep the island supplied with a variety of T-shirts and fabric. Colourful tropical designs on many interesting items and apparel are made on Saba, or a nearby island neighbour. While in Saba stop by Jobean's Hot Glass Studio, the only flame-working studio in the Caribbean and see rods of brilliantly colored glass transformed into dancing fish, sea creatures, fanciful frogs and elegant jewelry. Buy a present, especially one for yourself and bring home a memory.
By: Shabina SanadGOWEALTHY.COM © 2006 For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
