# Buying design pieces in Mexico

**Language:** Spanish  
**CEFR Level:** B1  

> Listen in as Diego and Paula talk about shopping for local designer goods and artisan ceramics in real, everyday Spanish. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** Diego and Paula are exploring the vibrant design boutiques of La Roma and Juárez in Mexico City, seeking unique pieces to bring back to Spain. They have decided to travel together to source authentic Mexican craftsmanship, keeping up a lively dialogue as they navigate galleries, shipping logistics, and local design markets.

## Lessons

### 1. Discussing shopping areas and preferences

Diego and Paula admire the design shops in the La Roma neighborhood and discuss finding local art galleries and handmade wooden crafts.

### 2. Clarifying a misunderstanding

Diego explains that he wants ceramics to decorate his DJ booth, clearing up Paula's confusion about how he plans to use them.

### 3. Discussing prices and product origins

Paula and Diego spot an expensive vase in a shop window and discuss whether its local, handmade origin justifies the high price.

### 4. Comparing items and expressing preferences

Diego learns how to identify authentic local crafts, and he and Paula compare their preferences for different decorative items in the shop.

### 5. Recommending a place to shop

Paula and Diego discuss Diego's taste in bright colors before Paula recommends a highly-regarded artisanal shop in Polanco.

### 6. Inquiring about custom-made items

Diego and Paula plan their next steps before Paula spots a vendor who makes custom furniture, prompting Diego to ask about production times.

### 7. Discussing shipping and delivery times

Paula explains that the custom table will take three months to make, leading her and Diego to discuss the feasibility and cost of shipping it to Spain.

### 8. Discussing online shopping alternatives

Diego warns Paula about high shipping fees and suggests checking the vendor's Instagram, leading to a discussion about designers selling through social media.

### 9. Suggesting to buy extra luggage

Diego and Paula decide to keep looking at other shops and discuss buying an extra suitcase to fit all of their new purchases.

### 10. Discussing item size and capacity

Paula and Diego talk about how a larger suitcase would solve their space issues, but Paula points out that a beautiful lamp they found still wouldn't fit.

### 11. Proposing alternative shipping options

Paula suggests shipping the lamp separately to save space, and then she asks Diego if he knows about an upcoming design fair.

### 12. Expressing regret about missing an event

Paula tells Diego about Design Week Mexico, leading them to express regret about missing it but also to share how much they are enjoying their trip.

### 13. Planning the next destination

Diego and Paula decide to head to their next shopping destination before it closes, agreeing to order a taxi and check a carpenter's social media on the way to help them make a decision.

### 14. Agreeing on a buying decision

Diego and Paula agree that waiting three months for a custom-made table is worth it for the quality, before finally heading off to their next stop.