A Tour of the Markets

"Where should we begin our tour? There is no doubt that the markets of Beirut are all but bursting with excellent goods."

Yesterday, for instance, it occurred to me to make a short tour, partly to look about and partly to buy. I got off the tram at the "Renault" stop and continued at my leisure toward Bab Idriss, passing the shop windows in review with a searching eye. And behold, it brought me to a halt before the one on which "Mufarrij Brothers" have lavished a great deal of taste and artistry. They have displayed in it what pleases and what tempts — above all a beautiful "jupe" skirt, suited to an evening either at home or out. I bought it at a cheap price which I shall not disclose here, for fear of spoiling its worth before the eye has seen it.

Then I turned in at "Karkar's," where I found elegant embroidered silk blouses that pleased me particularly, and reminded me of the new handkerchiefs I had seen the day before yesterday at the A.B.C. — for they harmonize with them perfectly, whether held in the hand or given a place upon the breast.

After I had feasted my eyes on them a little, and sighed over not buying them for personal reasons that need not concern the reader at all, I went straight on to Souk al-Tawileh. There I saw rare and singular things, above all the splendid leather belts displayed by "Amashieh," made of excellent soft leather.

As for the gloves in which Brakha justly takes pride — the like of which I have not seen for several years — he has lately imported them from abroad, and has thereby rendered a priceless service to the owners of soft, delicate hands like yours, for instance, my dear reader.

What I saw as well in Souk al-Tawileh were those slips ("combinaisons"), aristocratic despite the cheapness of their price, displayed by Abira: they are of fine silk, fitted at the waist and embroidered, most becoming to a slender figure and a slim waist.

Finally it occurred to me not to end my tour before visiting Orosdi Bak, and in truth a visit there is necessary for every seeker of elegant needs. On my way there, my attention was caught by "Karim" ladies' shoes, which have found no rival to this day, whether in taste or in the perfection of material and workmanship.

Likewise, on my way to Orosdi Bak, my attention was caught by Luna Sacs handbags, made of the choicest leathers and marked by the finest that modern fashion has attained.

As for what I found at Orosdi Bak — that, Madam, is what I shall tell you of in a coming tour.