Blogging: (Verb) The act of avoiding work

August 22, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Today's Sunday, and despite the fact that I'm thousands of miles away from AU, it still is the day of studying. It just so happens that my only two mid-semester tests happen to both fall on the same day. I just finished writing an outline of each class' material, which I thought earned me a break. So here I am blogging.

The bast few days in Cape Town have been cold and rainy, which mean I've mostly stayed inside. However, yesterday the group decided to take an adventure into the city and visit Green Market Square, a local craft market.

Originally we had planned on taking one of the school's shuttles into town, and walking the remaining distance. However, understand the shuttle schedule is a lot like chewing jello...you can keep trying, but it doesn't serve any real purpose.

We ended up taking a mini bus into town, and walking from the bus station to the market.

As we turned the last corner, after a long walk, we were hit with dozen of stands filled with arts and crafts of all types. Not until that point had I seen any real "African" art since arriving in S'Africa. But here, there were creations of all kinds. Wood carvings, welded metal animals, beaded figures, scarves, necklaces...pretty much any jewelry you could ask for.

Having a reputation for wearing large, crazy costume jewelry on a regular basis, I was in accessory heaven. I ended up buying a gigantic wooden necklace that has a pendant in the middle, engraved with an elephant. I have absolutely NO idea when I'll wear it, but it was cheap and the guy was a great salesman. Also, I'm a sucker.

I learned quickly that bardering for a lower price is a must when at this market. Many times I would just curiously ask about a price, and would end up being chased down by the vendor trying to barder with me. I repeated "No, I'm out of money, I promise, I just was curious. I'm sorry!"

To which they responded "You a tough American girl...ok I'll lower the price by another 10 Rand, but that's it!"

I wasn't lying though. Near the end I only had 70 Rand (Less than $10), and I still needed to buy lunch and a ride home. However, as I mentioned, I'm a sucker and ended up paying 30 for another bracelet, which I'm pretty sure my brother has too. Guess its not entirely African stuff sold.

After about 2 hours of shopping and negotiating, I came out with a good amount of gifts for my friends and family back home. I'd list all that I bought, but then they would all know what they are getting...I'm not THAT much of a sucker...I hope.

We all agreed that we're going to return to Green Market next Saturday, with more cash, to finish our gift-buying. It nice to know that I at least won't have to worry about getting too much for my mom, because she'll be able to buy it for herself during her visit. Ha, watching her barder will undoubtedly be entertaining. I'm imagining it'll go something like this:

Mom: "How much is this small turtle?"

Vendor: "200 Rand!" ($30)

Mom: "Oh its just so cute! I'll take 4!"

I love my mom. And just in case you weren't aware, she's known for her tendency to chew jello.

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Blogging: (Verb) The act of avoiding work

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