You Must Remember This...

Despite what you may think, the actual city of Casablanca is nothing like the movie. First of all, I was very surprised to learn that the whole place is in color. In general, the city is 30% run down buildings, 30% brand new hotels, 30% bazaars and marketplaces, and 10% beggars. The first place I decided to go was a bazaar. At the beginning of the bazaar, there was not the smoke and eyes hiding behind dark curtains that you may think of. Actually, it was closer to Walmart, but outside. Mostly name brand sneakers, purses, et cetera. Close to the entrance, I met a short Morroccan man wearing a grey suit who spoke very decent English. He introduced himself and took my friend and I through the bazaar to his shop. He had me sit down and began to show me different garments. I thought that some of them were nice so I decided to look for a night gown for my mom. I found a beautiful green gown with embroidery on the front. I only had a very small amount of cash on me, so when the trader asked for the equivalent of 45 Euro, I didn't have anything close. I told him I don't have anything close to that much. He said "forget 45." I told him, again, that I had nothing close to that. He came down to 25 (which I honestly didn't have with me). I broke it down for him. I said, I have 5 Euro and $8. He didn't believe me so I pulled out my wallet, took out the 5 Euro and $8 and showed him that the rest was empty. He agreed and I had made my first purchase ever from an Arab trader. My grandma always says that she's never met a car salesman that has made any money on any car he's ever sold. It's hard to tell if the $16 or so I paid was over paying or if I got a decent deal. I imagine, in bulk, the trader buys these for less than $16. But the same could be said about tv's at Best Buy. Regardless, I have a lovely gift for my mother from Casablanca.