Arabian nights

So, In my childhood days, I used to be quite captivated by Disney Movies. Actually, not much has changed in that respect. But with each new movie, I went through a new phase. When Beauty and the Beast came out, my sister and I would pretend that she was Belle and I was the Beast. We had the coolest little capes/cloaks that we used to wear- a blue one for Belle and purple for the Beast. For hours at a time, we were in a different world- a mysterious, adventurous one full of drama and excitement. When Aladdin came out, my friends and I would pretend at recess. I was Aladdin, running through the market places, trying to skate past the guards on the newest adventure. Jasmine was always by my side as I made daring attempts to protect her from those pursuing us. And of course, my loyal friend Abu was never far behind. :)

Well, now, here I am in Egypt, and I just had a flashback to my childhood days. This weekend I went to the Khana Kilili... a giant Egyptian marketplace with so many merchants at their booths selling their various knick-knacks and treasures. They called out as we passed by, trying anything to grab our attention and get us to look at their section of trinkets and crafts. "Towel- one million dollar!" lol. "Spices! Fine Exotic spices!" Everyone jumping at once. Among the announcements of items for sale, I heard several times,"Egyptian Husband?!" lol.

Actually, the things they said were quite humorous. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Welcome! Welcome to the land of confusion!

2. Oh, hello Snow White!!

3. What are you looking for? Are you looking for me??

4. What are you looking for? (Me: Nothing!) OH, I HAVE NOTHING! Medium-size!!!

5. You are an angel that fell from da sky!

6. HOLA!! (Me: Do I look Spanish??) and then NI HAO! (umm... Chinese?)

7. (This has to be one of my favorites) Seeing that we were American, the man yells out...

"OBAMA! OBAMA IS IN HERE!!" (Lol...)

Yes, the Khana Kilili is quite the cultural experience, and not only that, I was told that market place scene from Disney's Aladdin is based off of this very market. After having been there, it didn't surprise me. So for all of you fellow Disney fans, you ought to come to Cairo! :)

So after my market place experience, I indulged my childlike urge to watch Aladdin. It was a fabulous Arabian night.