What I Learned Buying a Rug in Turkey
This is the story about how a tourist who was not interesting in buying a carpet, spent $1,100 buying a carpet and was very happy with the experience.
I had no intention of buying a rug on our trip to Turkey in December 2006. Certainly, not on the first day. I'd already purchased a rug; when my son and I had been abducted in Tunis, Tunisia in 1999. But, that's a different story.
Yet, there I was, just 4 hours after arriving in Istanbul, shaking hands with a rug merchant as he packed up our newly purchased carpet. How did this happen? ...
— PilotEd
Person: "And, now, maybe you would honor me by taking some time to have a glass of tea, relax, and learn about Turkish carpets. My shop is just 20 meters this way...
...
Owner: "Come, sit down. Let me explain the different types of rugs to you, and educate you so you'll know a good rug from a cheap one. Here, have some tea...
Owner: "You know, no one comes to Turkey to buy a rug. It's not something that you need. Yet, most people end up buying one. Why? Because, it's art. It's something they decide that they like. And, it's something that they will have and enjoy for the rest of their lives. A good rug will last for over 100 years...
— PilotEd
How does this apply to photography?
Actually, it's not about photography:
- It's about people
- It's about talking
- It's about helping the other person understand
- It's about teaching the other person
What better way than doing it over a cup of tea or a good coffee.