Oakley Wisdom

Wherever in the world there are public beaches, beach vendors follow. In Mexico, it is literally true that the constitution opens all the beaches to the public. So it is no surprise that beach vendors can be found almost everywhere. Some visitors welcome the idea of buying snacks and souvenirs while catching some rays on the sand. Others, well, would rather be left alone with their thoughts.

On Acapulco beaches some vendors sell sunglasses. They walk among the beach umbrellas with dozens of stylish designs for men, women and kids. Whatever your opinion of beach vendors may be, consider the wisdom of buying from the sunglasses vendors.

First, ask yourself, “Am I wearing sunglasses?” If the answer is “No,” you probably need to get a pair quickly. Visitors unaccustomed to the sun and glare can truly hurt their eyes by staying out too long without protection of some sort. Most locals do not wear sunglasses. This may be the result of culture, of economics, or a consequence of being out on the beach daily for many years. Visitors need to protect their eyes. Contrary to the myths perpetrated, perhaps, by high-end designers, cheap sunglasses provide good protection against UV rays. They may or may not cut glare as effectively as expensive glass, but they will also bring the glare down to a manageable level. In short, cheap sunglasses are a reasonable solution to the problem.

If you ask yourself, “Am I wearing sunglasses?” and the answer is “Yes,” consider how much you paid for them and whether you would be sad if they were broken, lost or stolen on the beach. With the possible exception of some companion who came to Acapulco with you, it is safe to say that no one will be impressed by your designer sunglasses. Acapulco is a place where you can “come as you are,” and the importance of designer labels is, well, in the eye of the wearer, not the beholder. Put the expensive shades in your hotel security safe (where you have already stashed your watch) and buy a pair of cheap sunglasses on the beach. If you loose them in a wave, you won’t be nearly as bummed as if the Oakleys had just taken off in the surf, headed for the Philippines.

Many annual visitors apply this thinking to the rest of the year as well. When in Acapulco, they buy several pairs of sunglasses at once, to last them throughout the year. The optics may not be as great as top-of-the-line driving glasses, but many are polarized, some of them automatically darken as the sun grows stronger, and all of them look very much like their more expensive cousins. Of course, if you have more than enough money or are a label snob, this advice will not work. Most of these products are similar to expensive styles, but they are not knock-offs of logo merchandise. (Well, maybe a couple of vendors are sell knock-offs, too.)

Try them on. If they seem OK, buy them. If not, try on another pair. This is not hard.

How much should they cost? Most vendors quote “$100 pesos” (about $8) to anyone asking the question in English. Probably, they will take $50 pesos. If you buy several pair, the per-unit cost can go a bit lower. If you can’t get the price you want, be patient. Another vendor will be by soon. If there is a palapa on your beach where they sell beer, see if one of the vendors isn’t there already, enjoying a cool one. You can close a good deal by offering to buy him another beer as an added incentive!

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