Haggling
Haggling is the term for negotiating the price of an item you want to buy. Here in Cambodia everything is cheap and prices are not marked. They suggest an amount, you come up with a counter-amount… and you’re off. Manipulative devices include pleading looks (them) and sighs and pretend departures (you). The aim is to reach an amount you’re both satisfied with, which isn’t easy because it’s a fine line between you being a mean bastard who won’t cough up that extra dollar, or them ripping you off because you’re a wuss who can’t bargain properly.
Some of the memories I will carry include children running after me shouting One Dollar, One Dollar! and woman calling Lady, You Buy, You Buy!
But ultimately I was really shocked by the poverty I witnessed in Cambodia. I realised how lucky I am. I grew up under a nice roof, was properly fed, was well-educated and have worked for good money in several Western countries now. I actually emailed my parents to thank them, which sounds cheesy but I felt moved to after what I saw. I know wealth is partly down to hard work but it’s also pure luck as to where you’re born and the opportunities offered to you.
I may not be a millionaire, and maths may never be my forte, but I don’t think I will ever feel ‘poor’ again.
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Saturday, March 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 am
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