Black Sunday is the new Black Friday

So... When you live in Turkey, and you celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday, you go out and celebrate Black Friday on Sunday.  We considered going to sit out in front of our favourite stores at midnight, not because we have ever done that in America, nor have we ever had the urge, but because Black Sunday isn't a thing, and it would be silly to pretend it was.

Instead we celebrated a much more relaxing, comfortable, and pepper-spray free Black Sunday.  We slept in, ate a pie-filled breakfast, and sauntered over to the local Sunday Bazaar. (BTW Sunday in Turkish is Pazar.  Also market is Pazar.  Pazar Bazaar, or Pazar Pazar, either way it's fun to talk about.)

We didn't go with our sights set on a flat screen TV, a new lap top, or anything else big and expensive. We looked for and found some fairly basic and boring things: probably-fake-but-who-really-cares-Adidas track pants, fuzzy slippers, dried fruit, socks... I know.  Wondering why this is blog worthy? Me too.  But hang in there. 'Cus all of a sudden Black Sunday craziness took over, we ended up buying the most expensive thing we've owned since leaving America.  Something we didn't even know we wanted until we saw it.  Or more specifically, it's price.

Can you tell what it is?

Fringe...

Intricate patterning...

That's right.  We scored our very own, very beautiful, very handmade Turkish Rug.  For easily a quarter of what it's worth.  WooHoo! (Alan would be so bummed if I didn't mention that he talked the guy down 15 lira.  What a haggler.)

This rug is big. And heavy.  It is very likely that it will stay here in Turkey when we leave.  But then again, it may find a safe home in an extra suitcase sent home with some of our loving family members.  (hint hint)

Who will stuff me in their suitcase?