Training at The Spice Market, Istanbul

Our first training challenge was held at the Spice Market. That morning, I thought people at the market all noticed that there were groups of multi-national trainees running madly within the market, doing similar activities and bargaining badly.

Anna at the Spice Market, Istanbul

Rule of ‘No Rule’
We were divided into five groups each accompanied by a local Turkish guide. Each group had a same set of shopping list and to-do list. We were required to complete both with the minimum amount of money and within the given time frame. Peter F told us, the group which completed all the tasks with the least money will win. That was the only rule of the game. Apart from that, there was practically ‘no rule’.

Team Challenge Task List
The team challenge required us to do all these:
- Fortune telling with a rabbit
- Buy tea tree oil
- Buy candies
- Buy a belly dance bell
- Request a shop owner to drink apple tea and take a photo with us
- And many others….

As the project involved money, Charlotte volunteered to be the treasurer (using her own money). Michael and Gavin planned the route and of course our guide Etem gave us advices. Satoko became the lead purchaser. Last but not the least, I became the photographer. I have been working with Satoko for five years, but never realized that she was such a great bargainer. I was really shocked by her excellent bargaining skills and persistency. Supported by her two male assistants, I thought that we really did a great job.

Violating the ‘Rule of No Rule’
While we reported our results and the money spent, Peter F announced the results and every one of us seemed to be happy. Our group was the second runner up. However after a while, I heard some complaints when we exchanged experience of how to get our tasks done. May raised her hand and protested against the winning team because they bribed the shop owner to give them the tea tree oil free, claiming that they’ll give him something free in return the next day. However there was ‘no rule’ to violate as Peter’s only rule was the least money spent will determine the winner. When leaving the Spice Market, we all became unhappy about the ‘rule of no rule’.

More team challenges in Istanbul to come.

Anna's Amazing Journeys - Training at the Spice Market, Istanbul