Although learning some Arabic was fun and very useful, the souks are my happy place! I could spend days and days looking at bags, clothes, shoes, and little souvenirs that I definitely don’t need. And the best part is, I get to haggle for it! Today I bought a sparkly blue scarf because it just screamed me… anything sparkly is literally meant for me, if you haven’t already been able to tell by my sparkly outfits. I also purchased a leather belt and purse from a vendor who customized them to fit me as I wanted. He proved the leather was real by holding a lighter to it, as he explained to me that his shop was passed down from his father, who had it passed down from his father. The prices were already reasonable to start, around 150 DH for a small purse, which is what I was looking for. I was able to get the purse for 115 DH and the bag for 100 DH, which is what I was looking to pay. He then led my friends and I down the alley to another family shop, this one being ceramics. His brother, who also is a certified surf coach, ran the ceramics store, which was also passed down from the grandfather. From here I bought 2 white ceramic mugs for 50 DH each. The price was firm, and the brother explained how this price was set. He told me the white ceramic is more expensive than the red because it can withstand more heat and also the white clay is more valuable than the red clay.

I love bargaining in the souks, particularly when the workers are friendly rather than urging me to buy buy buy. The leather store owner was so kind, and he didn’t push anything on me. I was able to peacefully look around and touch things without him constantly trying to sell me items. When I had questions, I would ask him, and he answered them all and was very helpful. I was exposed to bargaining at a young age and have always been pretty good at it, definitely because I’m very stubborn. When I was a kid, I used to go to the local flea markets and shop away. I don’t know if the sellers just thought 5-year-old me was cute when I told them I only had $2 for a massive lego set, or if I was just really good at haggling, but either way, I always left with what I wanted. I have also been very fortunate to travel to countries all over the world where I have bargained for goods. There are still lots of specific items that I have in mind that I’d like to purchase. I want a colored leather bag, a custom gold bracelet, and hair oil. I plan to look in Marrakesh for some of these things, and if I don’t find them for a good price there, then I will come back and buy them here. I love to shop, and I love a good deal, so bargaining in the souks is a win for me!