Haggling

I've been to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul a bit too often in the last week so here is what I have learned:

• Grand bazaar is mostly about screwing stupid tourists.
• Just say NO. Or say nothing.
• If you want the prices to fall just say you are from Bosnia, or another poor ex-Yugoslav country such as Slovenia.
• Haggling can be exciting, even addictive. Some people then go and buy stuff just so that they can haggle.
• Don't be too excited about anything.
• If a salesman takes five minutes to walk you around town and offers you tea and water, you are not obliged to buy his most expensive item.
• Just walking away does wonders for the price. Very good principle to use in daily life as well.