| Original Message: Re: Mauritania? |
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The Chinese stuff is being sold as Moroccan antiques in many cases. Tourists who don't venture beyond a 5* tour and their hotel are taken often with a large round sign on a stick to follow to set shops in the souk, always the bigger and most comfortable ones. The tea here is on tap, rather than a boy going to get it from a tea shop. The shops they visit sell their wares at top prices. The traders in the souk, The ones I know well, refer to the sign as a dollars/yen/euros to take advert. The guide from the hotel will remember everything sold to 'His' tourists during the tour. He returns later to the shops to clain 75% of the takings. This means that a tourist on a trip such as this will always pay at least 75% more than the price which a stall holder is prepared to accept for an item! I have seen a couple pay £35 for a pair of slippers which i was in the process of buying for £3. If you want to shop in Morocco go solo! If you are a little concerned about getting lost in the souks, just wander till you are ready to leave and then ask which way is the exit, asking kids is usually the best, they love the interaction, and will be overjoyed if you give a small gift to them as a thank you. I don't give money, usually a pen, a small torch or something simular is great. I gave away glow in the dark Teenage Cancer Trust charity pendants last time...... road safety, and wow thats magic!!!all in one necklace!! buyer beware...even on holiday i guess!! S x
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