It's nobody's business but the Turks. And Struggle. Struggle and the Turks. But that's IT.

There is a lot to buy in Istanbul. A LOT to buy. So much to buy that it might be a little painful. Here in Istanbul you can find at least 50 men (always men) in a 5 block radius who will be willing and eager to sell you the following: rugs, Turkish Delight, spices, tea, scarves (silk, cashmere, cotton, wool, sometimes all at once, but those are extra) evil eyes, evil eye necklaces, bracelets, earrings and wall hangings, candle holders, inlayed boxes, tunics, t-shirts, pillows, jewelry, perfume, designer and otherwise, wall hangings, towels, robes, jeans, "Rolex" watches, "Prada" purses, boots, soaps, cheese, ceramics belly-dancer costumes and other important items that will help you live better. But more interesting then what is for sale are the people doing the selling. I heard more languages spoken in the Grand Bazaar in downtown Istanbul then I do in the New York Subway, and I think we all know that that is saying something. The number 1 language of course is unfortunately English (not the prettiest in the world, we all have to admit). There is nothing more hilarious then hearing a Chinese woman and a Kurdish man bargaining over silk scarves made in Tibet in broken English. And they say the USA is a consumer culture. I guess no one told Turkey...