Awesome tip, I didn't think of that. I have a pair of fake Oakleys at home that I never wear, I'll look into new lenses for them.
I would totally recommend a day over at Isla Mujeres, they have great places for shopping, I think its a more laid back atmosphere and really pretty easy to get to there on your own and get around it you want. Just jump on the bus to the Ferry get on the Ultra ferry .. and then WAM few minutes and your there .. great shops, great restaurants and plenty to see. If you do Steve's Boobs Cruise you'll get a bit of a taste of Isla but only an hour or so.. Every trip we try and spend at least one day there.
These are what we call "Foakleys"...You can buy cheap imitations of designer purses, sunglasses, 'cuban' cigars...any designer name has a cheap knockoff available from street vendors.
Our last trip we took the bus across the street from the resort and headed out towards Coco Bangos there is plenty of shopping there and places to stop and have lunch at. As well you can take the fairy across to the Island cost $19. return, rent a golf cart for about $40 a day, there are many shops on the Island we found the shops on the side streets cheaper then those on the main street. Going to the Island was a nice day away from the resort to just relax and explore, the beaches there are really nice too
If you find you can't tear yourself away from the pool long enough, the gift shop sells all those things at a decent price. I did not like Mercado 28! Too much hassle and haggling for me.
We went to Walmart last year too. We also did some shopping around Coco Bongos at some sort of flea market but just be prepared to not be left alone It was a bit much for my liking.
We found Market 28 confusing to get to and from and around. You might find something in the gift shop if you aren't looking for much. They got all kinds of stuff. Otherwise I would agree to take the bus into the hotel zone or daytrip to the island.
We shopped at Market 28 last year and got a bunch of cheap Oakley sunglasses for the kids. I think 8 bucks a pair...Kids are gonna loose or break them quick anyway. Knock off Coach purses....Harley t shirts for 8 bucks and about anything else you can think of. If you don't see it ask and the knock off stuff is out of plain view. Usually behind a curtain in the back of someones shop. As far as the dickering on price...go with 25% of whatever they price it at and you will almost always get it. There are loads of people there so as long as its daylight it is completely safe. Had one guy try to sell me "little blue pills" (Viagra) I said no then he says "How about something to smoke? Or something to snort" I said no thanks and kept walking. But never felt threatened or uncomfortable. All of the vendors are persistant and kinda like a used car salesman but they are just trying to hack out a living.
