Which man do you think got the better of the bargain?
Yesterday we went to the Old City to shop for gifts. This can be an overwhelming experience, so we determined our strategy in advance. We would look on our way through, make our decisions, and buy on our way back. Cagey bargainers that we are, we came out of the first store we entered with two items. The shopkeeper was kind enough to try to persuade us not to tell anyone what a bargain we got because he was so desperate, and we are “not easy.” He would be embarrassed for people to know how little profit he made. Right!
All in all, it was a good day. We wandered around and spent as much money as we were willing to. I have a weakness for instruments, so I bought another wooden flute and a bedouin stringed instrument that you play with a bow. The shopkeeper guaranteed me that it was real bedouin and not made in China.
We made our way without getting lost to the Western Wall. Then we carried on our traditional of eating at a restaurant in the Jewish quarter which has excellent food and a good view of the Western Wall and temple mount. We made one more stop at the spice market and then walked in the hot afternoon sun to our bus 18 stop. By the time we made it back home, we were definitely ready for a nap.
- Art at the Western Wall
