We left the Spice Bazaar and headed over to the Grand Bazaar. The first few pictures here are on the streets between the two bazaars. This is Istanbul's shopping area and you can buy anything you want or need. My favorite is their obsession with the frilly comforters in the 4th picture down. All shops of the same kind are typically grouped together. So we saw many many hideous and ugly comforters with feathers and sparkles and ruffles. They looked like they belonged on heart-shaped beds that have mirrors over the ceiling and a machine to put a quarter in.
This area was packed. You can get anything. Mannequin parts? Check.
Finally we made it to the Grand Bazaar. It was intense. We felt so harassed and hassled by the shopkeepers that we didn't really enjoy ourselves. After a while we looked at each other and said don't stop, keep your head down, and find an exit to get out of here. Every time you so much as glanced at a piece of merchandise the shop owner would try to lure you in. They'd ask where you were from, try to start a conversation, and try to convince you that you needed this or that.
Restaurant owners and carpet salesmen were everywhere trying to get you to eat or buy. But the Grand Bazaar was the worst. And I don't really get the carpet sales. How many tourists are actually buying a carpet over there and shipping it home? And why are so many carpet shops all over the city necessary? Everywhere you go there's another one. How do they get enough business?
Don't get me wrong, the Grand Bazaar is definitely a must see in Istanbul. Just be prepared to be hassled, stand strong, and to just say no.
1 comment:
I feel like you're on The Amazing Race.
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