I didn't really know what to expect of the textile market, but it was everything and more. Stall after stall of ready-made or practically made-while-you-wait, bedding, sheeting, clothing, and pillows. Craft supplies, buttons, evening gowns, wedding gowns, cross stitch kits, furniture, pajamas, and more bolts of fabric than I have ever seen before. Everything has a price and that is just to start the bargaining. As quickly as I learned "how much" in Chinese, I have forgotten it. But who needs it? All you need is one working digit that can type numbers on a calculator and the ability to walk away when the calculator read-out is not to your liking. The prices are certainly better than IKEA and haggling is so much more fun. Why pay retail price just because there is a sticker that implies you should? I can certainly get use to this!
In case you wanted to know, I walked out with two bedding sets for the children and some pillows to fill the shams. Shiny Barbie pink silk for sister and brown cotton/ultrasuede for the boy. And I'm pretty sure everyone was happy in the end. That's the beauty of this negotiating system. There is an ebb and flow to it, a few arms thrown in the air in disgust, and ultimately, a final resting place that lines the pockets of the vendor and fills my shopping bags. I've already dreamed of my next trip and the need for some custom-made feather pillows.
Are you ready for the Flower Market?
As a surprise, my shopping companion for the day suggested we head over to the flower market. I'd already heard how fabulous it was and couldn't wait. After a marvelous lunch at the Cafe Montmarte, we headed over in search of the perfect orchid. There is just something about their delicate blossoms and arching stems. So perfect, and feminine, and architecturally beautiful. They are the perfect plants for me. I get to neglect them and enjoy their beauty. Water, slightly, every two weeks. Surely, I can handle this!
The market itself is filled with fresh cut stems, bonsai trees, orchids, bamboo, orchids, green plants, cactus, and did I mention orchids? The scents were heavenly. Fresh beautiful plants at every turn. Little shops line the end with wares of dishes, artwork, porcelain, and pots for your newly purchased life-forms. After traveling through many of the shops, we made our way back to the stall to lay claim to the coveted lime green and deep purple orchid in all her splendor. I'd insert her picture here but you'd have to look at her sideways and even that doesn't do her justice.
I finished my day shopping without even the first haggle. The shop girl quoted the price and I just laid out my money. Thrilled with my purchases and the experience, I was ready to take everything to my new home.
Next time: Children tag along on a non-shopping adventure.
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