Yesterday, we went to explore the delights of Zarqa. After trying out our very limited Arabic, we spoke to a shopkeeper to get directions to a place that we had been to previously. Trusting his every word, we flagged down a taxi driver to take us to the place, we thought we were going to. After 5 minutes of being in the taxi, with not a word said between the taxi driver and us, we were unable to recognise the surrounding area. Now I am a bit of a optimist and when looking over my shoulder to see if Abi was OK, the look of fear of being lost rippled over her face. Oops, my "It'll be fine" attitude may have got us into some bother.... Well we arrived at the Main street in Zarqa, right in the middle of the 'Sukh' (not where we thought we'd asked to go). This is a tradition Arab-style market, with streets and streets of people selling an array of different things.
We arrived at a shop, which looked pokey from the outside, as the owner took us in, we took some steps downstairs and entered into an Aladdin's cave, with all sorts to buy - from a range of cheap tacky products to ornate things, including a Grandfather clock. We were looking for some storage to organise our things. Everything was priced using Arabic numerals, which we haven't learnt yet, so we attempted to ask for prices with the little Arabic we've picked up, and the shopkeeper responded appropriately so we must have been on the right lines :) After a little bartering we left the shop with 3 sets of plastic drawers, a "Quality Wardrobe" and some hangers. We called over a taxi driver who spent the next 15 minutes, along with the shopkeeper, attempting to fit our shopping in. It was eventually achieved with 2 sets of drawers sticking out the boot, one on the back seat, with the flat pack wardrobe fitted in on top. George and Abi then squeezed in what was left of the back seat (the door only just closed), Richard and Lilian in the front next to the driver.
Back at home Abi cleans the plastic drawers and they go into the children's room ready to be filled. Then onto this "Quality Wardrobe".... In the UK they could be done under the trade description act as the "Large full hanging space" would only apply if it was designed for children, and the "firm and exquisite steel piping frame" is not much to be desired. However, it fitted together well and serves it's purpose, it even acts as a leaning post (see pic) LOL.
Authors: R.J.E. and A.E.
We arrived at a shop, which looked pokey from the outside, as the owner took us in, we took some steps downstairs and entered into an Aladdin's cave, with all sorts to buy - from a range of cheap tacky products to ornate things, including a Grandfather clock. We were looking for some storage to organise our things. Everything was priced using Arabic numerals, which we haven't learnt yet, so we attempted to ask for prices with the little Arabic we've picked up, and the shopkeeper responded appropriately so we must have been on the right lines :) After a little bartering we left the shop with 3 sets of plastic drawers, a "Quality Wardrobe" and some hangers. We called over a taxi driver who spent the next 15 minutes, along with the shopkeeper, attempting to fit our shopping in. It was eventually achieved with 2 sets of drawers sticking out the boot, one on the back seat, with the flat pack wardrobe fitted in on top. George and Abi then squeezed in what was left of the back seat (the door only just closed), Richard and Lilian in the front next to the driver.
Authors: R.J.E. and A.E.
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to read all about what you are up to. It gives a wonderful feeling of closeness.
Rich, we are all aware of your DIY skills and putting that wardrobe together probably tested you. I'm amazed it's still upright!
Speak soon, and sending you all my love,
Andrew. XX