I don't have many wonderful stories about today, because we were working all day once again. I can tell you that somehow I managed to pull ceiling duty once again. I'm almost certain that I can't feel my right arm after scraping, sanding, and painting all sort of ceilings. I managed to paint one ceiling, then had to go back and scrape it all over again, after the paint underneath started falling down from the ceiling! Fun for the whole family!
After working all day, I did manage to go to the local Suq, or market for a while and do some shopping. And YES, I got to haggle! Ha! I figured out the routine finally; they really want half of what they are asking, so never pay above half what their asking.
I walked into this one shop, where of course he went through the usual routine of asking me my name, where I'm from, all the while calling me "my friend." I had no intention of spending any money today, mainly because I have spend just about all I want to spend. Despite my attempts to tell the man I was interested in buying nothing, he kept on. The guy I was with did want to buy some things, so really I was along for the ride.
The shop owner was a persistent little fellow, but so was I. I even showed him my empty pockets, but he said I could pay with Visa! Ha! I asked the guy (why he so fly?) what he kept asking me to buy something when I had no money. He said, "OK my friend, let me have you glasses." Me: (confused look) My glasses? Adnan (shop owner): Yes, give me your glasses I like them! Me: Why? These are the cheap-o classes from Wal-Mart, they were only five bucks! Adnan: Oh, but I love the color. Look at my eyes (which were red by the way), you see? I need them! Me: I think you've been smoking a little something for your eyes to be so red and for you to want these glasses! Adnan: Ha ha my friend, you are funny guy! I'll tell you what, if you give me your glasses, I will give you something from my store, something very nice for you my friend. You pick from this shelf (which Adnan had already quoted that everything was worth 50 shekels [about 20 dollars] on this shelf). Me: You're going to give me one of these items in exchange for my cheap sunglasses? Adnan: Yes my friend!
Somewhere I was hearing ZZ Top! But, whatever Adnan, you want my cheap sunglasses in exchange for a nice box? Sure! So, I traded my cheap-o Wal-Mart specials for a really nice olive wood box, hand carved in Bethlehem. Thanks buddy!
When I got back to the hostel, the man I was staying with said, "Yeah, these are glasses we cannot get in Palestine, so he wants them so he can sell them for 50 shekels to someone. Tomorrow your cab driver will be wearing your glasses! Hahaaaa! Now that's good stuff people!
In other news, tonight we watched a video on Palestinian humor. The jokes were really funny! One man from Hebron told this joke - A man from Hebron met a Muslim leader. He said to the Muslim leader, "I had a child yesterday!" The Muslim leader said, "Was it a boy?" "No" said the man from Hebron. The Muslim leader said, "then it must be a girl!" Amazed at the wisdom of the Muslim leader, the man converted! - bahahahaaa! (I apologize to my Muslim friends, but that's funny :)
I'm not sure what I learned today boys and girls, but I know that I had a great day! Tomorrow awaits! You people keep it real!
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