Sandy, don't know how you managed to leave Istanbul without a rug. I can't remember how many tmes I said no. It got really annoying after awhile. I felt like Greta Garbo, "I just want to be alone".

It was so bad that by the time we got to the market where they sell all the gold jewelry, I didn't even want to go in any of the stalls/stores. There were no prices on anything and they were hanging out of the stall/store doors trying to drag you in. Eye contact was a no no. I guess now with gold for $600 oz. nothing will be that cheap.

Then there is always Tangiers. All tours there end in a rug shop!

KarenM