Page 64 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY
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If it’s your first time in the bazaar, a free some bargaining tips. If you know in advance
walking tour of the environs is a great intro- what you are shopping for, do some research
duction. We opted for one that helped us get on how to evaluate quality and likely cost.
our bearings and introduced us to fascinating, Merchants expect you to bargain, so don’t be
little known areas you would never find on afraid to counter an opening prices with a
your own. lower one, at least half or more. It is impor-
One stop was a rooftop cafe, reached by a tant to be confident, friendly and polite. Don’t
climb up some narrow stairs. We sipped tea be obnoxious, hostile, or aggressive. If the
overlooking the scene for the dramatic motor- merchant won’t budge, walk away. He very
cycle chase in the James Bond movie, “Sky- well may chase you down with a great deal.
fall.” The roof looked new-ish because the Here or in any market or crowded area, be
movie company footed the bill to replace tiles aware of your surroundings. Pick-pockets are
damaged during the shoot. Another shop vis- likely at work. Don’t leave belongings unat-
ited on our tour provided fabric for Star Wars tended and secure money and credit cards.
costumes. We also got insider looks at how The Bazaar is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00
tea, the merchants’ beverage of choice, is or- p.m., seven days a week. The best time to visit
dered and delivered. is early in the morning or late in the afternoon
Haggling is the traditional way to do busi- when it is less crowded. Wear comfortable
ness at the Bazaar. Tourists are not always shoes, as you will do a lot of walking.
comfortable with this process, so here are
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