Shopping in India is an interesting experience. On one hand, you can find some really nice things for really cheap. On the other hand, you have to put up with the crap of a lot of people. As a tourist, you stick out like a sore thumb and people view you as a source of money and that's it. They feign interest in you by asking you where you are from and introduce themselves and then give you a sales pitch. Some of them are quite slick. You learn quickly that being nice doesn't pay...it just means that they will nag you until you lose your temper. So I've learned to be short and direct with them and they seem to back off...for a while anyways.
Begging is also an issue...especially when you encounter kids. It's hard turning down a child asking you for money, but you have to keep in mind that, as in other places, the children are more than likely part of a racket and being taken advantage of by other people. The money you give them doesn't necessarily go to them...they usually pass it on to their "boss". It is difficult turning them down and I find myself feeling a little cold hearted, but giving them a couple of ruppees doesn't help them at all either.
1 comment:
The struggles of the heart... that's a tough one Ramzi.
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