hurrygirl

The other good thing about seeing them at the government store is their explanation of the various styles of Berber rugs and they really vary a lot. Then you know which style you want and then just have to know the color. Make sure you have your measurements as we suddenly thought of another room we might want one and we’re not sure exactly the best size.

hurrygirl

Jojogump - I think ours was in Erg Chebi ( MERZOUGA camp) but I am not sure. It was not listed by name in our itinerary and we did not ask. Kind of funny not to even ask where we were but... it was near in big dunes and had 10 tents. It was a 1.5 hour drive out of Erfoud and then a 1 hour camel ride. If I had the time I would go on a 2 or 3 night private, guided camping trip next time as I think it would be magical. Our camel guide told me that he often tales people out for multiple days and he cooks for them and then stay in tents he carries. Good luck.

progol

Have a great trip (or trips), hurrygirl! You've got a lot of traveling coming up! Thanks for getting back to us before the big trips.

And thanks for the info about shopping for rugs -- it's something I'm thinking about, too. We did buy a kilim in Turkey so know very well the time-consuming craziness that can go on when looking to get a rug, so I appreciate having your suggestions.

hurrygirl

Jojogump

The Hassan was Les Bain D’hazara in Marakesh. It was definitely popular and looked nice. The girl who” scrubbed “ us was pleasant and it was funny as her only English words were “sit, turn, lay”. We just did not feel like it was very sanitary but I think that would be the case in any hamman where nude people ( or wearing a paper thong) sit and lay on the warm tiled bench. We are probably just overly particular.

hurrygirl

Progol
Thanks. Yes I think we are trying to pack in a lot of travel . We figure we should while we are able. We also don’t have grandchildren yet so nothing to hold us back.
We went through that in Istanbul as well and didn’t end up buying one. Our friends did and are really happy with them. Enjoy your trip whenever you go.

progol

Funny, we had a similar experience with a hammam in Istanbul! We ended up buying our rug in Konya, and were very satisfied with our purchase and the experience. And we drank lots of mint tea! But we certainly were hassled/hussled elsewhere, especially in Istanbul.

yestravel

Apple tea was what I loved in Turkey. After learning all about the different rug types in IST we bought our rug in Kas I believe - either there or along the coast some place. We kept taking pictures of the ones we liked in case we didn't find one as we travelled around Turkey.

progol

Oh right, I remember the apple tea! I loved it, too. We were there in 2001 so it's great to be reminded of some of the details I forgot.

We had the funniest experience bargaining in Konya - my husband and the young salesman were going back and forth negotiating when the salesman offered a price significantly LOWER than the last price offered. We all realized that it was a mistake on his part (and really too low) and my husband graciously offered a slightly higher price which was then accepted.

yestravel

Funny! We had some interesting experiences in our serch for the "perfect" rug. (WHich I now want to replace with a Moroccan one You were there in very different times I imagine. We were there in 2013 I think it was, right as the war with Syria was really heating up.

hurrygirl

Funny about the rug experience Progol. That poor salesman. So nice of your husband to respond that way