human
Of course you will see a great deal of the Sphinx and the pyramids at Giza, since our new radio telescope is nearby. But most of all, you must see El Mouski.
gpt
What is that?
human
It is the Cairo bazaar. There are several sections, known as _sooks_. They have names like Khan El Khalili, Ghooriyeh, Sagha, Sook El Nahassin, and so on, but the principal one is Mouski.
gpt
Spell it for me,
human
What you ask is difficult. We use a different alphabet, so there is no exact equivalent, only what is called transliteration, which uses phonetics. So the bazaar can be Mouski, Muski, Mosky, Mouskey, or anything else that sounds the same. Even for Giza, where the pyramids are, there are many spellings.
gpt
I wish you'd tell my English teacher that. Barby sighed.
human
I think my way of spelling is just as good as hers.
gpt
Whatever the spelling, El Mouski will fascinate you. Many things are made there especially for tourists. Some of the workmanship is excellent, and the prices are very low.
human
We haven't had much luck with bazaars that cater to tourists, Scotty replied.
gpt
We prefer markets where local people buy, because the things are more authentic.
human
That is wise, in most countries. But consider. The attraction for tourists are things that are clearly Egyptian in origin, no? Such things vanished from all but our museums some years ago. You could not buy a genuine Egyptian tapestry, or a stone carving from a tomb. Such things are beyond price. They are national treasures. But you can buy very attractive and authentic reproductions.
gpt
The people of Cairo wouldn't want reproductions, would they? Barby asked.
human
So they have to be made just for tourists.
gpt
And for export, Bartouki added.
human
I import them myself for a few American shops. After lunch I will show you samples and you will see.
gpt
What else is made for tourists?
human
Many things, of gold, silver, and ivory. There are bags of camel leather that Miss Barbara would enjoy having. There are brass goods of all kinds, and copperware with a partial tin coating called washed tin.
gpt
We try to take good care of tourists in the United Arab Republic, both in Egypt and in Syria. For example, we license our guide-interpreters, who are called _dragomen_. There is also a special police force with no job but aid to tourists. And we are always looking for ways to improve our reproductions to make them more attractive and authentic. I will show you a new design.
human
Let them talk over their coffee, Bartouki said.
gpt
They are enjoying it. We will retire to my den and I will show you examples from El Mouski.