Take the dolmuș down to China Bazaar - a store I’ve previously described as like a downscale Walmart. Actually seems this time to be rather tackier than I remember it, unless my standards are rising. Don’t remember previously being struck by the overwhelming garishness of so many of the goods. Still the most obvious place to go for things like plastic basins or dish towels. Seems like it’s getting more expensive as well but that could be just the general world wide supply chain lament. Or worse - having lived long enough to remember practically everything selling for less.
Stop on the way back at Lapta post office. Lady previously said our tracked letter might be here in a week, but didn’t sound particularly optimistic. So, given New Year’s have allowed two weeks. This time (different?) lady looks at the tracking number and says “NO CHECK INTERNET”. Says it fairly loudly the first time and then repeats it, sounding more adamant each time. Well, suppose it is the worldwide method for dealing with foreigners who don’t speak the language - talk louder. Our difficulty, of course, is that we don’t have a clue what she means. At best it sounds like instructions on what not to do. Eventually she gives up on this and points to a notice giving internet sites for Turkish and Turkish Cypriot tracking. I’m dutifully copying the info when a slim young woman comes in and steps behind the counter. Show her the tracking number, she asks our name and promptly retrieves the letter from a pigeonhole on the wall. I provide ID and sign for it. Done. But had we left three minutes earlier….
Dolmuș home - and to our surprise Criegan is on it, having just come from a charity shop where he volunteers.
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