In Boston, Lisa could usually get me to go grocery shopping with her by offering to let me use the Shopping Buddy at Stop ‘n Shop. It’s a little electronic gadget that could tell you all the deals on each aisle, try to sense your buying preferences, and get you better deals on purcahsed items. Until today, I thought this was a pretty original invention. Then I learned that in Morocco, they’ve been using the Shopping Buddy system for a long time.
I was shopping for chochkes in Agadir today and found the ultimate Shopping Buddy system. I went to the first section close to the entrance of a gift store and was found by an employee of the store, who proceeded to take me to any part of the store I mentioned (or glanced at, or thought about). There he (or she, they handed me off from time to time) would point to anything I seemed interested in and tell me all about the item. These shopping buddies speak many languages, which is a by-product of living in a highly tourist-dependent area. They would carry items for me (no cart required!) and haggle over prices. One of my Shopping Buddies even dressed me up in a traditional Berber outift, complete with turban. My Shopping Buddy showed me flying carpets and magic carpets. I couldn’t resist; I bought a Magic Carpet. My Shopping Buddy got me the ‘good friend price’ on everything I bought. It was pretty neat. I think Stop n’ Shop could learn a thing or two in Morocco.
Andrew: Welcome back to the Blog. I have missed you. Don’t you love Lisa’s new haircut!!!! What a charming and interesting blog you write today. What a blessing for those who meet you and are priveleged to show you through the market place. Thanks for today. It was a blessing
Grandma
Andrew, Interesting about the real live shopping buddy. How personal and lovely. I can picture you with your shopping buddy. I bet you showed him as good of a time as he showed you!! Great about the magic carpet. Do you ride it or smoke it? Hmmmm. Is there room enough for two? I’m sure your wife is wondering…….. Love, Mom and Dad
You should have gotten the flying carpet.
-Rachel
Sounds wonderful! I had the same sort of experience in Morocco, with people leading you, literally, by the hand and arguing for the best prices for you from the vendors. It’s like an improvised middle-man system. I was a little unsure about who the “finders fee” was to come from, but then I realized that it is supposed to come from both ends of the chain, naturally. Smart businesspeople, they are.
If you smoke the magic carpet, you don’t have to buy the flying carpet.
Sounds like lots of fun. I really want to go back to Morocco, and wish it could be with you.
Jonathan
Family,
My magic carpet truly is magic. It’s not smokable (and to be honest, I don’t completely get the drug reference, sorry). Had a great time today working with media across language and cultural barriers to facilitate coverage of crewmembers of the CGC Bear painting and repairing a local orphanage. If you happen to listen to Moroccan radio, you’ll probably hear my voice in translated interviews (that is, as long as they do it like NPR does). Was able to get away on official business with some of the embassy PR folks for a truly Moroccan lunch, nothing like the McDonalds and Pizza Hut dinners my shipmates are always seeking out. I had a glass of avacado juice, which was great. I got a rough recipe, and I WILL be bringing this delectable sweet treat back to the U.S. of A. Watch out, it’ll be the next big hit! And it’s Atkins Approved (TM)!
Take care,
Andrew
Dear Andrew,
The reference to “smoking the magic carpet” is from a time a long time ago when some of our generation (not your mom and dad!)spent quite a lot of time in an alternative lifestyle. Often it was referred to as “like riding a magic carpet.” I think there was even a song about it. I think we saw some of them a few weeks ago when we visited the Haight Ashbury District of SF. They are still there, gray-haired, pony-tailed dudes with Birkenstocks and Volkswagon Vans painted in a colorful fashion, of course wearing a tie-dyed tee-shirt. Can’t wait to hear about the Moroccan lunch. Sounds awesome. Love, Mommy Girl