Bimbalo Bazaar Jadesirwan

I’m not sure, but I think the title of this means “I want to go to the Citadel Market.” Anyway, it worked and the taxi driver took us to the right place. All day, S kept saying things like, “I love this place” and “This is the best city in the world!” Actually, I think we both had a GREAT day today. We bought a few silly things to make our motel rooms more livable; carpets, kilim wall hangings, wooden hangers, scarves (which we are using as table clothes, doilies, etc). The kilims and carpets were incredibly cheap! We didn’t have enough money and will have to go back; S has her sights on an incredible antique Persian runner for $50.00! And being a carpet enthusiast (hence knowing a good carpet when she sees one), she reckons the same thing would run about $1000.00 in Australia. (I saw some nice ones from Sulemaniyah- can't wait to go there).

After coming home, S wanted to return to the bazaar with more money, but instead we went to New City with T (pictured holding Kat Kat Tat... a sweet we saw advertised on a billboard on the way to the border). We collectively bought all the ingredients for ‘Mercimek Corbasi’ (Turkish lentil soup served with lemon, mint and paprika). It was fabulous! Unfortunately, T couldn’t partake as she was out with the conductor of the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra and a local poet, but will have hers tomorrow. S and I may return to the market tomorrow. Life is good.