BAZAARS AT THE ALAMO

The bazaars are frenetic affairs. As you walk through the grounds, vendors come up to you and literally pull you into their shopping area, begging you to see their wares. They know our symbols of rank, so they get your attention by hollering "Captain, come see my shop" or something similar.

Once you decide that you want to buy something, an intricate procedure begins, because there are no pricetags on any of the items.


You begin by picking up something you don't want. The vendor says, "What price you want to pay?" You start at an absurdly low number, the vendor acts offended, you haggle with him a little more, and then you put the item down, acting like you can't afford it. Then just as you appear ready to leave, you pick up the item you want and negotiate with the vendor over that one. If the vendor thinks you are going to leave him, you can usually get him down to a reasonable price.

The vendors bring things like fur coats, rugs, antique (maybe) firearms, jewelry, and pottery. I say "maybe" about the firearms because most of them are reproductions. The Afghans are very good at taking parts of old weapons and putting them together to make them look like antiques.

Don't let anyone tell you that the Afghans don't understand capitalism.


I personally hate the haggling process. I always leave the bazaar feeling stressed out and like I just got taken to the cleaners. My wife would love it. She's a good shopper. Me, I just want to get what I want in the least amount of time.

Afghan tailors also come to the bazaar. So far I've purchased three suits, about four pairs of pants and two sportcoats. All of the clothes are custom made, and you can get a suit for about $60.00. I've heard people say that U.S. tailors tell them that a similar suit in the states would cost $400.00+. They look pretty good to me.

On the other hand, my perception of fashion and clothing is probably somewhat skewed. After all, I've been wearing the same thing for five months straight!!