Why do you think Coelho chose a crystal shop in The Alchemist?Why would Paulo Coelho choose crystal over other occupations such as a baker or a...

The crystal shop was a good set up for an occupation for
Santiago because it gave him a way in which to learn more about his enthusiasm. He did
this by seeing ways that he could improve on the shop's situation.  First, he improved
the income of the shop by putting crystal on shelves outside of the shop to catch
travelers' attention.  Then, he capitalized on the crystal shop being at a major point
on a hiking trail by serving tea in the crystal to thirsty hikers.  This gave the hikers
a different and unique experience. If the shop keeper had sold hookahs at that point on
the trail, the demand would not have been strong at that location. If the shop were just
another tea shop, it would not have been unique without the crystal. Among other
lessons, it is through selling crystal that the boy practices his knowledge about
following omens in order to capitalize on his creativity.