Shopping in one of the characteristic traditional souks or in the modern shopping centres of the Red Sea towns is one of the favourite past-times of all tourists. In addition to finding very good value for money in many cases, shopping here is an experience in itself: a sort of courting ceremony where the shopkeeper attracts the potential buyer into a ritual of hospitality which involves sitting in the shop gently drinking tea or karkade and talking for ages about life and the country of origin of the visitor. Only after a good deal of talking and exchanging pleasantries, the actual bargaining can start. Yes, because only very few shops here have set prices. All souvenirs, artefacts, typical products, are passable of time-consuming haggering rituals. Typically, if you ask the price of that beautiful papyrus or of that well-tailored suede jacket, the shopkeeper will ask in return how much you think you want to pay for it. After a series of rebates, the final price will be settled. The whole affair requires the manoeuvring expertise of experienced merchants, though. Whatever your budget is, you will find an endless number of beautiful objects to take home or to give as exotic present to friends and family. Colorful carpets in all sizes and prices, including intricate kilims and geometrical El Arish Bedouin mats, which perfectly fit any European home; delicately carved brass plates and coffee tables; skillfully carved wooden boxes with mother-of-pearl inserts; graceful perfume glass bottles; pure cotton garments; fine ethnical or traditional jewellery (gold, silver and semi-precious stones); leather and suede products (bags, jackets and trousers); and many typical souvenirs are readily available in all Red Sea towns and resorts. Shops and bazaars are open daily until quite late at night (at least midnight), so don’t miss an evening stroll in town at least once during your holiday. And refuse decidedly to buy any “souvenir” coming from the sea. It is strictly forbidden to take, sell and buy shells, seastars, corals, puffer fish or any other creature dead or alive from the Red Sea. Visitors carrying in their suitcases such “souvenirs” at departure are subject to heavy fines. Please help us protect the invaluable treasures of the sea. |