Bartering Big Bucks

Sam Lindberg

Over the whole trip so far one of the most enjoyable aspects of roaming the streets is the art of bartering for goods. As we are walking down the streets in groups sticking out like sore thumbs we are constantly being pulled by our shirts to come into their shops. It's always the constant sunglasses, watches and clothes for around 300 rupees. One example that I can recall from Kolkata was walking through the market as I wanted to buy some shorts. Aaron pulled up at a stall that was selling watches so I came and had a look. I saw a watch I liked the look of and so I picked it up to get a better look and, in 5 seconds it was in a bag and the Indian man said, "You buy 900 rupee." I laughed and shared a smile with the man as we both knew that wasn't going to happen. I ended up buying the watch for 200 rupee which is roughly $5 and it is still going strong. There will be many other hilarious stories that the boys have around the interactions and bartering they have experienced but it really does add value to the trip. Even though us boys do know that to us 50 rupees is a dollar, and to others it could feed them for the night so we take that into consideration. However, bartering is something we don't get the chance to do in New Zealand so I really do enjoy it.