[ariniaxia]

If I have read your comments correctly you are insulting those Market Traders whom I am sure are just trying to earn a living the same as you or I. Why do you believe they are fleecing the public any more than you or others might. Maybe you have been watching Fools and Horses a little to much.

I have purchased many items from Both GA and Santa Pola markets and have been pleased with the products and service.

Derek

[prpaims]

I think Richard means the person who sits on the ground outside the banks, by Thomas Greens .......

The GA Thursday market is good value, although obviously not as big and varied as Santa Pola, Alicante or Lemon Grove

[Stivenslivakovishhhs]

I object very strongly to seeing the woman begging. I had to work hard like most people for money and my retirement in the sun. I definitely walk straight past and give nothing (mind if she had a kitten or a puppy I might!!!!)

[Lapsinuibense]

No problem Richard it has given an opportunity to comment on the good markets over in Spain. The secret of shopping in markets is not to expect something for nothing. Remember these traders can operate at much lower cost than shops and are always sure of a good flow of public pass their stall.

I must confess to have an interest in Markets as our Footwear Business retails at many Markets in the West Country (UK). We buy only perfect stock but usually pay much less than shops would because of volume and the buying of surplus stock. Unfortunately some people have an incorrect image of Market Traders and those that I have meet seem to be extremely hard working and honest individuals.

I wish it were true No Tax, No Vat and No guarantee but I am afraid it is not.

Derek

[Flikemommoilt]

Is the beggar the same woman who often sits outside the market at Santa Pola with her brood of children? Though, have to say that on our recent visit to Spain I didn't see her when we visited the market in SP.

[Pashtet]

I have also seen the lady outside Solbank on Thursdays at the market.. the same lady was ouside Bancaja on the following Friday (obviously a very busy person).. personally I have no problem with that. It only costs 1 euro to travel to GA from Santa Pola. At least she is not aggressive.. and I have seen a few of those. People can choose to give to her or not.. live and let live..

[nmnrIjGB]

I'm 100% with Richard.

I allways toss a few coins into the baskets of those who do the great sand sculptures, the occasional "human statue" in Alicante and the street entertainers, but those who sit begging........no chance, or should I say not any more, I used to.

The ones that realy annoy me, the lowest of the low, are the ones in the underground car parks in Alicante who sit near the ticket machines with babies and talk to or should I say plee to you in a whimpering voice, often holding a tattered piece of paper pertaining to be a price for much needed medical treatment.

The dilema is that they could be the odd one out, the one that is telling the truth...................

My wife tells me not to be a mug and that they are probably netting 200 or 300 Euros a day,about 18 months ago after seeing a documentary about begging in the UK I followed my wifes advice.

If we all stop being the mug that I used to be they would soon dissapear............in particular the old lady in black........it's not site I want to see in GA.

Do they have the equivalent of the "Big Issue" in Spain?

Regards all, keep smiling

John