Bartering! Being Myself!

So i would like to start this blog of mine really just sharing how much i really enjoy toying with the shop owners and bartering my way to an Egyptian price rather than a foreigner price. So this past week a friend of mine on the same program as me was staying with me. During this time we had a opportunity to take her to the khan ( very old and well known marketplace). This was in fact my first time there and turned out to be a most enjoyable time. While walking along i heard such things from the shop owners as
" How can I take your money??" "You dropped something.....you dropped my heart" "Beautiful smile" "Just look...no price".
The sites were amazing...at one point a man on a bike rode by with a HUGE gurney looking thing on his head holding bread. These people are talented! What they can carry on their heads is amazing! The women hold their child on their shoulder with one leg in front and one leg in behind. And where ever i saw Lamps i always checked to see for a genie...although i think if i would have just given the shop owner a kiss on the cheek i could have got my lamp with the genie inside for Free! ah well i don't fly that way.

Any who i must say that was a very enjoyable experience. Although near the end of the evening a friend tried to sell my friend and i off for 20,000 camels. I was shocked when i proceeded to notify my professor that she might get a whole lot of camels and one less student, to which she replied yes that is great "pay off my loans". I tell ya the nerve of people trying to sell me off- least 75,000 camels! Well after that we spotted a really great store that we were in for quite a while. While in there i took the opportunity to banter with the owner. He was very funny and praised my Arabic..but as i opened my wallet to pay for something he caught site of my licence picture and proceeded to call me fat in Arabic! Now let me tell you something about this delightful culture...it is normal for people to tell their friends they are fat. I should have maybe been perturbed but i then proceeded to buy from him. So in the end i guess i was not offended and still bought from him. While helping my friend in another shop i was labeled a problem "mushkala" so i think it was great time. :)

On another lovely note. I leave Friday at midnight for Turkey! I am really looking forward to a time of learning from all these amazing people that will be there. As well of course all the history that is in the surrounding area. Wow opportunity!
I am so extremely thankful for my time here in Egypt. God is so faithful and desires to bless us. I have had so many opportunities to learn and grow from Godly people. Transition for me into the culture has been so smooth...not without its problems but none the less i feel like this has been a real home for me. I live with a wonderful family here that has been a huge blessing. They are a joy and pleasure to spend time with. I give God all the glory for what has has done this year to grow and stretch me! Thank you so much to all my friends and family who are praying for me and loving me from across the ocean. I love you all! I am really looking forward to getting lots and lots of hugs when i get home!! :)