It's So Bazaar!

**Note: Post Date is July 21, 2009**

I woke up, took a deep breath, and prepared myself for an afternoon at The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. Souvenirs are such a bizarre (bazaar) thing to shop for.  You want to pick out things that people will use or admire and not simply store away in their closet for the rest of their days. I had some ideas before entering the crowded walls of the Bazaar but once confronted with the immeasurable items to choose from you start to question whether those ideas are truly the best. I still remain stumped on what to get everyone from home. Help anyone?

“You want to trade?” One of the sellers asks. At first he asks to try on my rather expensive Fossil glasses. I felt secure so I let him. He then shows me a cheap pair of American Eagle glasses and then proceeds to ask to trade. At that point I was beside myself with all the tactics these people were using. The may be creative with their selling but they are just plain rude with their attitude, their etiquette and their respect for personal space.  For some reason these people not only think they can scream in your face, but can put their hands on you and even physically direct you in to their place of business! That is a deal breaker in my book and made me plain disgusted at times.

I did some good work though. I made some deals for myself but my big spotlight of the day was when I bartered for a rug that our friend Morgan wanted. I was intense, aggressive and direct in what I expected. He tried to convince me otherwise but I held my ground and he sold Morgan the rug for 25 dollars, when he was initially asking for 60.

The day was long, but a lot was accomplished and I didn’t feel as panicked as I thought I would. I left calm, cool and collected and with bags in hand. I’m glad it’s over though. Now I had the evening to look forward to.

There we sat on the top of the hotel overlooking the entire city of Istanbul. The Mosques we visited, the Bosporus river where our home was docked, the colorful bridge and the golden sunset were all amongst this amazing view. This was the start of a great last night. Twelve of us, dressed up (except for a few) for a wonderful dinner with the skyline in the distance and the breeze gently blowing through our hair. The food was delicious, the talks were full of laughter and there were some appropriate moments of silence. Lots of pictures were taken and relaxing was inevitable. Three hours later we were stuffed and ready to go out for the night.

Taxi!…We took a quick ride to Taksim Square where we chilled for a couple of hours. Erik’s frat brother, who lives in Turkey, suggested a bar and it was right up everyone’s alley. The drinks were not only extremely creative but they were also relatively cheap making for a simply fun time! Pictures were being taken non-stop. Not by my camera unfortunately. Actually for the full five days that we have been docked in Istanbul, my camera has only made it off the boat for one day. I have to say I’m growing to become a traveler and not a tourist. Or I’m just being lazy. I need to take more pictures. It is what lasts the longest and means the most.

After the bar we headed down to the same area we went the night before. Those waffles were on everyone’s mind and they needed to have another. I have yet to try them but they definitely look good. It was in the early morn, we were relaxing on bean bag chairs and just reflecting. We couldn’t believe we were in Turkey. We can’t believe we are leaving tomorrow! It went by with the blink of an eye. I’m afraid the time keeps going by faster as this journey progresses. I need it to slow down. I need it ALL to slow down.

Today’s Expense’s

…………………….........Lira……………Dollars
Bazaar Shopping……50.00.………….33.33
Dinner……………….....22.00.………….14.67
Drinks……………….....23.00.………….15.33
Taxi………………….......4.00.……………2.67

Total……………….......99.00.…………66.00

I shut my eyes as I fall asleep. Goodnight.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I hear there is a Bazaar in Egypt. Shit.