It is now 9:50 pm here -- we just got back from another shopping spree. Tonight we walked to a mall that is owned by parents of students here. It is exquisite -- better than we have ever seen. It was quite a site right in the heart of Alex. You had to go through security to get in. Again all of the clerks and mall persons were so nice and helpful. It has four floors for now -- theaters, food court, and fun zone along with many nice stores. Stores are not real large -- they aren't likely to be large department stores, rather more like specialty stores. We got an embroidered coffee table scarf and matching table cloth. We also got two large colorful beach towels as we are going to a resort on the beach tomorrow.
Then we walked over to a "family mart" kind of a combination grocery, variety type store to get an alarm clock, clothes basket, etc. The paying for items is kind of unique. If something costs 5.76 pounds, they will round it up or down to the nearest .25 and give you a piece of candy or gum to make up the difference. No coins are used -- it is very rare to get a coin -- bills look really worn -- they must change hands hundreds of times.
We walked both there and back -- again you see such a variety -- especially among the women. A few are western, some have scarves, some have veils and some are completely covered except for their eyes. Doesn't seem to make any difference what age.
On the way back, one of the teachers with a son, stopped at a stand to get a cold Pepsi to drink. It was in one of the old 16 oz bottles. After the clerk opened it for the boy, he wouldn't let the boy leave until he drank it all there -- the mom had to pay for the bottle in order to leave. The mom really didn't know what the clerk was saying and it was confusing until we figured it out. The clerk wasn't angry but he just wanted the empty back. Pat stopped at one of the stands to get an ice cream but didn't have to eat it all there!! The streets are just so fascinating to walk
