And on the third day she went shopping! We went to the Grand Bazaar. We had planned to go down the Bosphorous but changed our plans after a night on the town! We were a bit anxious about the bazaar, at least I was after lurid stories about pickpockets and weeping women being forced into unwanted purchases but we were there early and it was all lovely.
We had coffee which was served in a silver setting – very exotic and great coffee. Then we wandered. Lots of amazing things to see. Including the Old Bazaar and its distinctive roof.
In any event I did my shopping quickly, breaking every rule in the guide books. Went to one shop (recommended in Lonely Planet) tried on four leather jackets, bought the fifth one. He wouldn’t tell me the cost as I was trying on. When I chose one he named a price well down on what I expected and then offered a special deal because I was his first customer for the day. I would have been happy to pay it, but offered something a little less. He looked genuinely crestfallen… then agreed. I thought this bit cast a pall over what had been a happy exchange. He had pointed out photos of famous people on the wall – Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones. But they’re all rich, said Joe, we’re not rich. He seemed amused by that. I asked if Bill Clinton had been in and he pointed out Dick Cheney had, I’d rather Bill Clinton also produced a smile. Jacket all wrapped up in a large, garish bag I left happy. Later on I had another little bargaining exchange in a little street down near the Galata Bridge. Taken by the scarf the man was waving, I asked how much and was ushered me into his tiny store. He was all set to show me more but I liked the one he had out already. He told me a price and offered me less. I tried to get more off but he wouldn’t. Maybe I should have left – but I wanted the scarf. Tried to get more off because I was Australian – his sister lives in Sydney. Anyway, here they are – my purchases for the day – they look nice together. Shopping done, over, finito!
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