9 July 2004 1:30pm

Hmmm....

Unfortunately, the art of bargaining seems to be ultimately limited by my lack of Arabic. In a country where you bargain for everything, this can be a bit of a problem, but there are some bright spots (better get your shades).

"I need some sun glasses"

As most of the group split off to go back to the [Fouad Hotel], to include the fiercely independent [crazy, wild-berry eating] Swede, I thought it best to keep the Galveston-native company.

Kelly browsed the ubiquitous local selection of sunshades that mimicked every Euro/American brand available in the known world. Within seconds, a nice young, and very well-tanned Egyptian approached. WIth a big curious smile and the slighted hint of malintention, he began to colorfully hawk his wares. Once he realized that neither of us comprehend his language, he said,

"Where are you from?" with the typical North African rolled 'r.' Of course, Ms. Gallagher did not answer. It is more difficult to bargain in the shadow of the world's economic behemoth. He asked me multiple times. As Kelly further browsed and incessantly replied curtly "La" or "no" to his hand-picked selections, I answered his former question.

"Brazil"

No sense in not having fun.

"A Rinaldo! Football!"
-add vigorous soccer movements and a very enthusiastic countenance here. After a minute of insisting I play football, Kelly picks out a pair of shades.

"Beckham?" (How much)
"Twenty."
Laughter from the pseudo-Brazilians
"Ten"

Our friend was smiling but obviously a bit hesitant.
".....Okay Okay."
As Kelly reaches in her wallet, "Twelve?"
"La."
"Okay okay."

By this point our Egyption friend has heard "La" and its Anglo-equivalent "no" at least a dozen times and half a dozen times he echoes. With her new shades in hand with possible UV protection (for even the regular 'glasses' were labeled as such) we head past the tracks to our beloved [hell-hole] Fouad Hotel.