Weather Report: Today it is cloudy and "kalt" (Cold). However, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous this past week, clear, sunny and generally warm. It has reminded me very much of a clear sunny day in May in Alaska.
On Saturday February 25, 2011 I left Never Never Land for a quick visit to the Asian Market in the Czech Republic. I was cordially invited by "Mack" who was formally know as "Squirrelly" to join some ladies on a trip to the Asian Market.
We left early in the morning, hopped on the autobahn and arrived at the Asian Market which was just across the Czech Border. I brought my passport, just in case, however the Czech Repubic has a open border so nobody stopped or checked us.
I was very anxious about the trip for several reasons, one I was spending time with girls I didn't know- so in my mind I was wondering if they would like me? The ever annoying question of "What should I wear?" And would I like them?
I was also anxious about leaving the country too, in my mind I was having thoughts of a possible 'Broke Down Palace' situation where we get into trouble in another country and for some reason cannot get out.
But the one thing I was the most anxious about was 'bartering.' At the Asian Market you shop around and if you see something you like, you barter the price of the item with the store owner. I had heard that they are very aggressive about selling things to you. I know some of you find this funny, but they idea of bartering the price of an item gives this former boxer some serious nerves.
I was in luck, I had a pro-barterer on my team. We arrived and I carefully watched as the girls started to get items at a fraction of the cost they started out at. The store keepers were pretty aggressive about selling things, but I found if I did not make eye contact with them or say anything I could shop around in peace.
As guilty as I feel about it, the way to barter is to first start out very low on an item- which is quite insulting usually- but if you start low you have lots of room to move up in price.
The booty: I scored some things for my family, a new wallet for LEGS and a knock off designer purse for myself.
PS- Don't make me feel bad about this- the US dollar is getting its ass kicked by the Euro right now, have you seen the prices of basic items in Europe? I think not......
Over & Out
Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife....**
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