Around the World in 40 Minutes

International Shopping in Oakland

by Elise Proulx

In Oakland, you can go around the world in 40 minutes. From Mexican crafts to Italian ceramics to African fabrics, this city's got it all. No need to book that 40-day cruise-just travel around Oakland, hitting shops that bring to life the crafts and wares of the world.

ALBO AFRICAN GIFT SHOP

This charming Telegraph Avenue shop is jam-packed with high-quality arts, clothing, musical instruments, furniture, jewelry and all-things African. (If you're interested in purchasing brightly patterned African cloth, this is the place to go-just head for the wall of vibrant color in the back of the store.) Owner Genet Asrat is from Ethiopia and stocks items from both West and East Africa, including baseball hats that read "Ethiopia," woven baskets, huge drums and a very large selection of African music and films. And if stopping by the shop makes you hunger for Ethiopian grub, you're in luck, as the delicious and friendly Café Colucci serves it up next door.
6421 Telegraph Ave., (510) 428-2526, open daily.

CORAZON DEL PUEBLO

This 10-year-old Mexican arts shop-cum-gallery owned by Trinidad and Josefina Lopez is truly one of Oakland's many hearts. The couple wanted to "bring education, culture, art and spirit to the Oakland community," and with their International Boulevard shop, they certainly have brought a world of Latino and Chicano arts, crafts and artisan products to their neck of the city. The cavernous storefront contains everything from chimeneas (outdoor ceramic fireplaces) to colorful papel picado (the punched paper that's out in force during celebrations such as Dia de los Muertos) and, of course, a variety of Muertos tableaux, sugar skulls and altars. Some of the cooler items include embroidered blouses for little chicas ($7.95) and framed altars featuring images of famed painter Frida Kahlo. The shop has a number of rooms, so don't feel shy about wandering about or you may miss something. In the back lies a gallery/showroom where local art is on display and periodic workshops and events are held-check the Web site for more information.
4814 International Blvd., (510) 532-6733,
www.corazondelpueblo.com, open daily.

SAGRADA SACRED ARTS

Walking into this Temescal sacred gift shop is like walking into the calm center of a medieval monastery: water flowing (courtesy of an in-store fountain), soft music playing and inspiring devotional art hanging on the wall. From Indonesian wooden Buddhas to reproductions of Greek icons, the store is filled with sacred objects from all religions that are beautiful even to those who haven't got the spirit. The store stocks a delightful collection of crèche scenes from spots around the globe, including the Philippines, Tanzania, Peru, India, Mexico, Ecuador, Vietnam, Kenya and the West Bank. Among the international treasures are Native-American medicine wheels and dream catchers, loads of wall crosses (Celtic and others), Moroccan hands of Fatima (for placing in your doorway), a selection of Tibetan singing bowls, embroidered yarmulkes and more.
4926 Telegraph Ave., (510) 653-7196
or (877) SAGRADA, www.sagrada.com, closed Sundays.

BELLA CERAMICA

If you're looking to dine Italian-style, head for this cute Piedmont Avenue ceramics shop. It carries brightly hand-painted, handcrafted ceramics from various regions of Italy, including Tuscany and Umbria. From gigantic planters and vases to serving dishes and decorative wall plates, this shop bears a cornucopia of bella ceramica. Many of the dishes are emblazoned with gorgeous fruits-lemons, oranges, pomegranates-a Mediterranean delight. One Agrumi Biscotti Jar ($225) comes covered in sprigs of red and white flowers and bunches of orange and green fruit-just the thing to hide your cookies in. Others are adorned in dragons or various floral patterns. The larger items can be pretty pricey, but for handmade, Italian quality, they're worth it.
3982 Piedmont Ave., (510) 601-7938, www.bellaceramica.com, closed Sundays.

GLOBAL EXCHANGE

If you want to shop the world with an utterly clear conscience, check out Global Exchange. Just over the Oakland border in Berkeley's Elmwood neighborhood, this shop specializes in fair trade international trinkets and housewares, what the nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice, calls "socially conscious gifts." If you're looking for a nice, sophisticated gift for someone who's not waiting with bated breath for the next Phish concert, don't worry. The store's wares aren't exclusively fair trade-in fact, some of them are pretty darn chic. Some good picks include bright, funky floral cotton aprons from India ($28.95), baskets from Zambia or handmade wood boxes from Poland ($19.95). And for the über-hippie crowd? How about a Himalayan back scrubber made of 100 percent natural hemp?
2840 College Ave., (510) 548-0370, www.globalexchange.org, open daily.  _

Retail Therapy is looking for your input. If you'd like to nominate a retail outlet in the East Bay-your own or someone else's-for inclusion, please write to retailtherapy@oaklandmagazine.com.