Grand Bazaar

After the press event Thursday morning, my team from the US that was in town wanted to sight see and so we went to the Grand Bazaar in the afternoon. I was excited to get to go as well because last time we ran out of time. It was huge- bigger than I ever imagined and MUCH cleaner than I imagined. When I think of the GB, I think of the souk's I've been in around Dubai and Riyadh and they are dusty and hot and smelly- but this was very clean and indoors, and surprisingly well organized.
You're supposed to barter for prices and I HATE to barter- hate it hate it hate it! The whole time I was shopping I felt like i had heart burn because I knew if I saw something I liked they were going to say an outrageous price and I'd have to fight with them. Ugh. I think if anything I was the worse kind of customer because I make it horribly awkward- more like whining and long pauses cause i don't know what to say, and they're probably like- just give me your money and go away five minutes into the process.
I did manage to get an AMAZING leather jacket just like I've wanted the entire time I've been over here, and some great Christmas presents to bring back.

After the Bazaar the group had dinner together with the franchise partners at a great local- real Turkish restuarant, and then went out for drinks at a bar. We had a blast! Just what we all needed after such a successful new market entry. The times when I get to hang out with the VP and the other managers and directors are the best because we get to be ourselves and just hang out and have fun- and god did we ever! So many good memories of that afternoon and night. Great way to end the trip.