To get to this particular market we had to travel by rickshaw. Here's a little view from inside a rickshaw.
This I found so amusing, we were told by the other girls it's a "knock out punching match" to get a rickshaw - and to barter price. LOL LOL LOL. Omg - wow was that hilarious. I'm like... "ah... ok (?)" because I know it totally ISN"T. Perhaps for them it must be, so sorry for them. All I did was ask our host how much the ride should cost, so we had an idea, not to pay American prices and off we went. I flagged a rickshaw down - told him our destination - and asked for price. He replied 110, I told him "No, too much" and told him "80 rupees" he then replies "90 rupees" I said "No 80 rupees" he repeated "90 rupees" and I told him we'd find another ride and then motioned to another rickshaw. Then he says "Ok ok get in" and motions for us to get in. Melissa was pretty impressed with my skill - hahaha. I do realize I was arguing over probably 25 cents, but still! (And for a certain person who makes fun of me for being pushy... ah hem... (?).... see it pays off. Read on... lol - of course you've seen this skill in action yourself, so I don't have to tell you; And I do honestly think I picked that up from being here before.)
So then we went to purchase some lovely, lovely scarves that some of the other girls had bought and showed us. Once we found the stand I ask "How much?" He replies "250" I'm like "For one?!?!?!" (Shocked) and told him "no, no" then he replies "200 for 1". I then told him "200 for 3". Of course he acts like that can't happen and then has a side conversation in Hindi with his father, who owns the shop. (Below in pink.)
I then added in that "our friends" bought the same scarves 3 for 200. Then he decides it's ok. They both then assured us that's the lowest price we'd find them anywhere. (I have to say.....I think they were right.) But then again, I want to believe that to feel like we got the best deal.
Needless to say, we both loaded up and got some beautiful scarves to take back.
I then added in that "our friends" bought the same scarves 3 for 200. Then he decides it's ok. They both then assured us that's the lowest price we'd find them anywhere. (I have to say.....I think they were right.) But then again, I want to believe that to feel like we got the best deal.Needless to say, we both loaded up and got some beautiful scarves to take back.
I forget this man's name, but he got a kick out of Melissa and I and we had him laughing pretty good before it was all said and done. He gave us his card and asked that we please send him these pictures.
After this I went and bartered 4 purses down. A 5th purse I bought was at a fixed price, dirt cheap, so that was ok. If I'd a had more money, we'd probably still be at the market. But made a plan to go back tomorrow. What deals! One of the many reasons I love it here. If any of you have seen my bedroom wall..... you get it.
Love, Janelle
Shopping looks like so much fun over there, Janelle! What better way to keep your mind off your problems with your current housing situation than to go bargain hunting! Sure hope you have room in your luggage (or what's going to be left of it--lol) for all the stuff you're buying!
ReplyDeleteThe guy in the last picture looks and sounds like a "T!" How funny! I can just hear you now, bartering the prices down to what you want to pay. I would love a new purse. Remember your Mom the next time you look at purses. Melissa sounds very cool. It's nice for you to have someone fun to be around, especially on your outings. Love, Mom
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