While traveling in Turkey, I quickly became fascinated by how Turks would argue endlessly over prices. I often found that in these disputes, the success or failure of the deal mattered more than the actual price itself.
One day, at a rural bus station, representatives from two competing tour companies approached me. When I asked one of them about the cost of the journey, he replied, "My bus will cost you 600 lira."
But as soon as he finished speaking, the second man immediately stepped forward and said, "Come with me! You only need to pay 500 lira." And so the competition began. The two men went back and forth, arguing intensely, while I stood silently to the side, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
"400 lira."
"300 lira."
"200."
"100."
Finally, the first man waved his hand dramatically in the air. "Alright! Alright! It's free! I'll take you for free, my friend—I want no money!"
I stared in disbelief as he scribbled something hastily on a ticket.
"You really want no money?" I asked hesitantly.
A strained smile勉强地 spread across his face. "Yes," he replied, "because I won."