Many of the places we have visited on this trip and others have markets, stalls, or small shops where locals sell things and often try to recruit tourists to come to their shop. It has been interesting to see the different tactics used in different places.
Cusco, Peru - People did not really yell out to us as we shopped in Cusco's market, and I think generally did not speak English.
Bali - Stall proprietors say "You come look in my shop?" and "Just looking, please?" to tourists to get them to take a look at their shop. (They say "just looking" as a suggestion because tourists say "I'm just looking," and the proprietors just repeat it without really knowing the meaning.)
Shanghai - "Watch, bag, shoes, DVD" repeatedly called out as we walked down the street. (previous trip)
Phnom Penh - Children and women come up to restaurant tables on the sidewalk with a basket of guide books or bracelets or scarves.. "You buy book?". When we say "No, thank you" they typically have a smart answer like "Why no?" or "But this one tells the story." One particularly creative little girl selling bracelets (wearing an Angry Birds T-shirt) offered to C "Play Rock, Paper, Scissors... If you win, get 1 free. If I win you buy 2 for $3."
Siem Reap - Most aggressive selling we have encountered yet. At the temples, swarmed by young children who follow you repeating "3 for $1" (holding 3 bracelets) or whatever their offer is. In markets, stall owners just say "Buy something" quite directly, or sometimes "Buy T-shirt?" or "Buy scarf?"
What a blast to be able to follow your incredible adventures.
ReplyDeleteIn the Caribbean, the children selling things would row out to the anchored sailboats with their local handmade wares. The sailors called them "Hey Skips" because they would approach your boat and greet you with "Hey Skip [skipper] -- I have xxx for you". Sounds like you've got the land version of Hey Skips.
Keep writing and shooting! I'm reading every word.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!