They may as well be saying that. Beware the Khan el-Khalili. More on that later.
Today we visited the Muhammad Ali Mosque and got a small synopsis of the Islamic religion- as much as could be covered in about ten minutes. I really learned just as much from observing those inside the mosque than being lectured but I now understand more about bringing up children in this religion and that will be beneficial, I'm sure.
We then proceeded to the Old Market, the Khan el-Khalili, where haggling is a must and a big pain in the butt. Vendors start at an exorbitant price and you must work your verbal magic and mental patience for as long as it takes to get them to about 40% of the quoted price. All this is going on while other vendors are hassling you to check out their stand.
I make three purchases, all of which I am happy with. I bargained ruthlessly and nonchalantly tried to lose my blond haired, blue eyed friend who would make my job harder. We found a lot of these items in our own neighborhood later at a fair price so I'm glad I didn't indulge when I was at the market!
My favorite purchase and, ironically, the only piece I didn't bargain for. The vendor realized I couldn't afford the piece I reallly wanted- which was a beautiful, more intricate "Tree of Life" tapestry so he offered me this larger but more simplistic one at a great price.
I got a great compliment that day. "You bargain like an Egyptian!"
Try it on! Try it on! Those domes look similar to some of the architecture I saw in India - a lot of the mosques had the Mughal influence.
ReplyDeleteHow much were the hookahs going for? A comparable hookah on St. Marks goes for about $125-$150. Also, those light fixtures look pretty cool - you picking one up for the place?
I didn't price them but was told they run around 80 EGP- so maybe $13? They are all single hosed though and are all pretty similar in design.
ReplyDeleteI will pick up a light fixture soon. It's so hard to decide which one I want though! The specialty here is alabaster so I am also going to pick up some small candle holders.
Everything's going to come home with me. We're going to have a pretty ethnic vibe in our place!
Oooh - is that blue thing a scarf? It looks really pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's just a long piece of fabric for wall decoration. My apartment needs some color!
ReplyDeleteI like the black shirt with the gold trim. Buy me one.
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