I went shopping today at Cairo's infamous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar; an intricate maze of shops and outdoor vendors that go on endlessly for several blocks. A variety of souvenirs can be purchased for a "special price" such as mother of pearl hand crafted jewelry boxes, colorful scarves, shisha pipes, Arabian lanterns, pharaonic and pyramid statuettes, inlaid wood furniture, exotic clothing, and eye-catching jewelry. The choices were plentiful, and bargaining was a verbal blood sport between shopper and vendor as each haggled tenaciously to the bitter end; both anticipating victory. I came out the victor, but not without scars and war wounds bleeding out of my wallet. Nonetheless, I was happy with my purchases and hope family and friends will too, as I've already started shopping for Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!
